A Life Time Catch from a Lifeless, Empty Sea

A Life Time Catch from a Lifeless, Empty Sea

Luke. 5:1-15

(PART-1)

Just a couple of days ago, I was meditating on the above Scripture and prayed over. The Holy Spirit of God opened my eyes to see precious things in the above passage. With great Humility I share this here that this may bring blessings. This is the first part. And others will follow. If you are blessed, just write down a note…

Even Experts Fail:

Simon Peter, his brother Andrew were partners with the sons of Zebedee John and James (vs.10). Simon Peter owned 2 fishing ships. (vs.2).The sea of Gen-nes-a-ret, (or) also known as the Sea of Galilee was very familiar for these experienced fishermen. But on one particular day they spent a full night on the sea and caught nothing. (Vs.5)…”Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing…” And on the morning, they touched the shore and docked it safe and were washing their nets. Our Indian “saying is that even an elephant slip”. The ordinary things we do every day, in our homes, offices, working place, business and other things may end up failing. Certainly Simon and his partners were in despair and in break down as they had to go home not having earned money to support their families. Many of us can testify of hundreds of failures in our lives in many areas of our lives. No matter how hard we toiled we are not happy but we are only empty, with heart aches and full of guilt and fear, not knowing how to handle our situations. But for some it’s the open door for a “Super natural encounter” and then turning point for new destiny and new life order. It can be ours, to-day if only we listen to the move of the Holy Spirit.

1. Jesus On the Sea-Shore with a Circumstantial Need:

Jesus was just beginning his ministry and perhaps that was his first beach crusade on the sands of the Gen-ser-a-et. Thousands pressed on him(v.s.1)and Jesus knew that it will suffocate him and he desperately needed a safe platform, where people are kept in a distance that he can fulfill his teaching on the kingdom. He had none of his disciples called yet and he had no body guards. JESUS WAS THEN ALONE, JUST A 30 YEAR OLD YOUNG PERSON. He had no ministry partners, supporters or mission partners.

This is at this desperate situation Jesus turned to the empty vessels and found out that they belonged to Simon Peters. HE PERSONALLY WENT TO HIM AND “PRAYED” (KJV), showing all humility in asking Peter to thrust out a little from the land and sat on the boat and began to teach the crowd.

A. Does God need help from human beings?

    Many Christians and Teachers and Scholars of the word created in us a

    mind set up that God is setting there in heaven just to keep giving and

    never needs human help. And usually they will say that we are saved by

    good works but by faith. Heaven is very different from planet earth. No

    one needs water, food, dress or other things. Therefore they are not

    there. Printed currency notes are not there. No one in heaven needs them

    there. When we pray and ask for God’s provisions on above mentioned

    needs,  God does not send them from heaven with Supersonic wagons,

    but gives to us all our needs from this earth through human vessels of his

    choice. God has only Chariots of fire.

   JESUS AS A HUMAN PERFSON IN HUMAN BODY, needed lots of help for his

   mission on earth. And He depended upon certain peoples’ generosity to

   exist and fulfill his ministry.

    “And it came to pass after wards, he went throughout every city

     and villages, preaching and shewing the glad tidings, of the kingdom of

    God: and the twelve were with him,

    And certain women which have been healed of evil Spirits and infirmities,

    Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went  seven devils, And Joanna the

    wife of Chu-za, Herod’s steward, and many others, which ministered unto

    him of their substance”. (Luk.8:1-3)

These and many individuals were staunch and adherent followers of Jesus and were stuck to him till the end, even where the Apostles stumbled. It was this wonderful woman to whom the Lord 1st appeared.

B. The Jesus Mission  on Earth is an ongoing Commission:

   Jesus has temporarily left on a heavenly mission (1) to send the Holy

   Spirit (2) On a high priest Mission (3) To prepare a place for us. (4)To

   assume  his office as “THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS

   “and will be returning soon, as the “THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD

   OF LORDS, to take HIS BODY, the “Ecclesia” to be with Him for ever. Till

   then His Mission to the lost will continue under His Lordship and leading of

   His Holy Spirit, by the chosen, fragile human beings. And blessed are the

   millions of saints who have clearly understood this and support the needs

   world over. Unfortunately, there are others, who call us beggars!

C. What Jesus asked Simon for And what Jesus asked not for:

Jesus did not ask Simon Peter for Fish but Jesus asked one of his ships to be thrust in to the sea. Fish can be purchased in any market. And Peter would easily give it. Ship! The shipping vessel, Is his very life and destiny. Jesus wanted one if it just for a while. Simon Peter would have thought, how crazy and daring is this man, asking me for a favour, when I am totally broke, tired of all night fishing on sea, with both my eye balls out when I think of going home without money to buy food and having no money to give to my fishing partners? But Simon was compelled by a force to oblige willingly to give his fishing vessel to Jesus.

Blessings, elevations, change of Course and many other Super natural encounters come to in disguise. Many times it was when Molly and I are totally broke and at”rock bottom Hit” situations, when one of our associate pastor, or a mission agency or even poor persons come to us seeking Help”. We will always find something to give them. And we can give hundreds of testimonies the manifold blessings we received in return. Many times we undertake great endeavors for Jesus, but ignore and despise Him on small issues. Peter had discernment and reacted well.

Test-I

“Your YES on earth will be yes on Heaven” And Your NO, on earth will be NO in heaven. Let us be serious. The way Simon greeted, body language, face expression and willingness to serve paved way for his second level test. If he had been indignant, indifferent and proud and was unwilling to serve Jesus wouldn’t have led him to further elevation.

Test -2

Jesus was about 30 years of age and practiced with his “Caretaker Father” Mr. Joseph, the skills of Carpentry. Jesus was ignorant of sea waters and handling a fish boat. With inexperienced skills if Jesus would have tried to thrust the boat into the sea, then the waves hitting the shore will keep the ship, swirling, shaking and dancing. Instead of Teaching the mass, Jesus would have had time only rowing and keep the boat steady in one place. Here he was tested of his time invested, and his patience and talent investment.

Simon Peter and his partners had to be there doing “Over Time” for totally a new Cause! Fishing boat became a “Kingdom Boat”. Do you want this to happen to you! Let Jesus get in and sit there and begin his mission to people. Make your Home his hub of missions’ activity.

When Jesus kept all the people at a distance Mr. Simon Peter and his associates were sitting right next to Jesus, listening to the “Message from Heaven”. “YOURS AND SACRIFICES TAKE US CLOSER TO GOD AND TO HIGHER LEVELS”. Is it not a great joy, honour and a privilege? Simon Passed this tests too.

E- Does not Jesus Need a Clean Ship?

Some of us who traveled on a luxury liner and visited the fishing yard know the difference. The sea foods, fish, crabs and others stink. That’s their nature. Fisher men though wash and clean their vessels periodically; still it would stink. Simon Peter never expected Jesus boarding his ship, and converting it a pulpit for few hours. JESUS THE LILLY OF THE VALLEY AND THE ROSE OF SHARON, chose, to enthrone himself on a dirty, rotten smelling fish boat and revealed his person to people. And this Gospel of Jesus Christ; He preached to people.

“Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil”. (Jer.13:23)

None of us can ever clean ourselves with human efforts and make ourselves worthy of His entering into us. JESUS CAN ENTER ANY STINKING VESSEL AS A MASTER SERVANT AND CLEANSES US FROM ALL DIRT, SIT, AND GUILT AND MAKES HIS ABODE. For this very reason, he died on the cross and shed his sinless, perfect and holy blood. His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Yes! God can do same to anyone who gives Jesus a chance!

The Donkey Affairs

The Donkey Affair

The Superstition:

It’s a prevalent belief of some in India, that, if one looks  at the face of a donkey or if donkeys cross their path, luck will knock at their doors. But for me it did not work out well. But it did not work out well for me on the day. Molly and I just started our ministry with nothing and the Lord raised one friend to support our family infrequently with a small support. My cousin and I went 65 kilometers one way; when the donkeys crossed our Scooter on the high way. My jubilant cousin predicted that it was going to a lucky day. On reaching the bank we found out that the employees were on strike and we had return with empty pocket, stomach and half dead.

The Lostness leads to LOTNESS:

But for one Young man in the name of SAUL (I.Samuel.9) the Donkey affair brought him immense luck. One day his father lost all his donkeys. The creator says,”  The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. (Isa.1:3)Here, the donkeys of Mr. Kish never returned. All of them communicated with each other that they should not go back to their master and serve but to be free and be on their own. Many of us disassociate with the creator and God and go disappearing. For Some the reason is this:…”Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?(Jn.6:60) From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.(Jn.6:66) 

It Takes a Donkey to bear heavy Loads.

Mr. Kish deputes his extraordinary, the most beautiful, handsome, tall and well built son- for the scripture tells that there was no such personality in Benjaminite tribe—and one of his servant in search of the lost Donkeys. The donkeys are needed for the Master because, “ONLY THEY CAN BEAR THE LOADS OF HEAVEN”. May be this is the reason, why “The king of the Jews” JESUS CHRIST, the son of God rode on the back of a mule on the days of triumphant entry. And finally He laid on Himself the sins of the whole world and died on the cross to bring forgiveness and salvation for the whole world.

Are You in a “Wilderness Experience”? You joined the  extraordinary club:

Saul the young man and his servant wandered in hills and valleys and for many days searching for the lost donkeys and found them not. Their food stock and silver were all spent. Saul decides to give up the search and return. Many of us desperately want to give up our mission and admit failure. My friend, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, David, Jesus and others went through the same experience. Jesus cried out in Gethsemane that the cup be removed from his hands. But wait! All of them came out glorious and elevated to esteemed positions and possessions.

Go with a Servant, A Guide and a Good Counselor:

Try Supernatural Encounters:

Saul’s servant –like the Holy Spirit Ministry—suggested to Saul, that they go to Samuel, the seer the man of God. And he witnessed that whatever this man said came to pass. He further suggested that this man will tell them where the donkeys can be found.  The Companion –The Holy Spirit—know the mind and heart of God, than any one on this planet earth. seemed to have been spiritual than Saul.  The servant suggests a Spiritual encounter. We do not how to ask or what to ask, but it is the “Paraclete “ in us “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.²⁷ And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.(Ro.8:26-27).

Seek the Right Spiritual consultation:

Samuel’s reputation is well known even to a servant. “A Man of God”, “A Seer”, “Anything he tells comes to pass.” He was both a prophet and a judge to the people of Israel.  But the people of Israel were asking for a KING, to rule over them like their neighbors. It grieved the heart of God and the heart of Samuel. But Samuel stayed with God and was willing to ordain a king and  was willing to share his power. What is our testimony? How are  we known in our communities? Are we known as His worthy vessels and an answer to people’s desperate needs.

Like a child is taught from kindergarten to PhD, the Lord seeks after raw material statues person who feels unworthy and pack him full with His divine person and the Lord sometimes never uses modern, “all knowing “personalities. Saul told his servant that something had to be offered to the Prophet, not because he would predict or not predict where the donkeys were, but because, Samuel was a prophet of the living God. He knew from his instinct that the man of God should be honoured. MANY GET WILD,WHEN IT COMES TO GIVING TO GOD AND HIS WORTHY SERVANTS. They call them beggars and go on accusing and abusing. Saul honoured the prophet and the Lord rewarded Saul, the world cannot uphold. He sowed the seed from his bare necessity and harvested glorious things. 

Humility precedes Exaltation:

The Lord instructed prophet Samuel invited Saul to eat with him the high place. What        a privilege was it for Saul? We read how Saul Reacted to this,” Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?(1.Sam.9:21) He confessed his unworthiness. However Samuel made Saul to sit above the 30 distinguished guests. It was unbelievable to the servant who made this possible. The Holy Spirit Of God our Counselor would elevate us to promotions we would have never dreamt in our wildest dreams. Servants these days will envy and be filled with jealousy.  

Once Samuel was aware that the living God is dealing with Saul for leadership, he treated Saul in due respect. In today’s spiritual world, many leaders do not treat co-workers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many are proud of Intellectual Superiority. Others are filled with national, skin colour and cultural superiority. Others are proud their Spiritual authority, doctrinal clarity, leadership and virtues.

Physical Needs met Before Spiritual empowerment Bestowed.:

There are still people who believe, argue and preach against the Lord providing our physical needs. Instead of putting the bullocks before the cot, they put them behind the cart and how will a cart move onward? The creator God, created every thing man needed to eat and to drink, before he created man on earth. Fruits, grains, fish and meat and every thing we need. When the Lord delivered the People of Israel from Egypt, he promised them a land filled with milk and honey. He provided their needs and then gave them the law, the tabernacle and laws of sacrifice. Jesus Christ followed the same pattern. He went about doing good and preached the kingdom gospel. He fed the multitude and healed many sickness. ONE SHOULD PREACH THE RIGHT GOSPEL AS IT IS. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ ²³ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’(Mat.7:21-23)

But the Lord  also will say to some, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me(Mt.25:34-40)

Saul, knew that this young man was totally exhausted and hungry and so he had already arranged with his cook to cook the choicest meat piece,  Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the hall and seated them at the head of those who were invited—about thirty in number. ²³ Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the piece of meat I gave you, the one I told you to lay aside.”

²⁴ So the cook took up the thigh with what was on it and set it in front of Saul. Samuel said, “Here is what has been kept for you. Eat, because it was set aside for you for this occasion from the time I said, ‘I have invited guests.’” And Saul dined with Samuel that day. Samuel let Saul to rest that night.

Saul’s’ Destiny and Missions Revealed. (I-sam.10:1-2)

And on the next day, Samuel Called up Saul and came with him till the end of the city and Samuel anointed Saul as the “KING OVER ISRAEL”.

Prophet Samuel gave him 3 significant signs:

·         On his way back home at the borders of his land, he will meet 2 men at the site of Rachel’s tomb who will declare to him that the donkeys of his father had returned. Here Rachel gave birth to Benjamin but died. Thus Benjamin was orphaned from day number one. When God Chooses an Individual for His mission one should have to deny their families some times.

·         Samuel also predicted to them that on reaching the oaks of Tabor 3 men who were on a pilgrimage to Bethel will meet and greet him. The 1st one carried 3 sheep for sacrifice. And the second man carried 3 loaves of bread. Finally the 3rd person carried a skin-bottle wine. Saul should accept the 2 loaves offered to him for his further journey. The spiritual Implication is that Saul had  no bread with him when he went  to  meet Samuel. And now he received the bread for his onward journey miraculously.  Yes, The Lord provided us the “Bread From Heaven”.

·         Samuel also told Saul, that on reaching Gibeath- Elohim, where the garrison was, the prophets of the lord will meet him, with harp, tambourine, flute and lyre, prophesying . When this happens, The Spirit of the Lord will RUSH upon him and that he shall also prophesy.

It was God’s rewards for Saul when He choose Saul to rule over his people. The Lord knew that Saul needed the guidance of the Holy Spirit and His discernment to rule His people. This is a prerequisite for everyone. We also read here the way how the Holy Spirit fills a person. It was when they used various kinds of Musical Instruments and sang and worshiped. And the Holy Spirit came rushing, just like in Acts2.

Saul‘s hard journey, in search of lost donkeys brought him fortunes beyond no one ever thought or imagined. God has a very high plan and purpose, behind our journeys through hills and deserts. It is to elevate us to His best plans and use.

Rev.Dass.T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

From Rottenness To Righteousness

In Mark’s Gospel chapter, 1:40-45 we have an astounding account of Jesus healing a leper. Leprosy is a dreaded, loathsome, contagious, extremely painful, decease and only death is the final end to the one who gets it. God Jehovah gave very strict laws and instructions to Moses in the book of Leviticus of various kinds of leprosy, how to find it and how to cleanse it and how a leper should be sent out of the camp.

The Killer decease:

1. Everyone who gets it becomes unclean and looses the privilege of his

   family and community. He will never dare to enter the city lest he be

   stoned to death. Relationships are cut off. And no one will dare to

    have any contact with a leper, for the fear of getting it themselves.

2. One cannot conceal leprosy. It’s visible, with twisted nose, lips and other

    members of the body. Fingers in hands and legs are sore with fresh

    wounds and stink.

3.  With no medication, remedy and proper binding of wounds one will die in

     pain and isolated in shame are left beg from people for food and other

     needs, if people passed by  their way.

Some times every one of us find ourselves where these lepers live. We are isolated, and loathed by people. Our name and fame vanish instead people call us by different names. We become their gossip and song. All the comfort of home, husband, wife, children, church, society and community are gone. And we are looking for our basic needs, sometimes for a glass of water from strange people and we have to put out our hands. Sin also is a deadly and a killer decease! Watch out!

Out there, millions are dying with this deadly decease of “Spiritual, Contagious, and killer leprosy of sin. The temporary worldly remedy makes things seriously worst. Only Jesus who paid the penalty of sin on the Cross and rose again on the 3rd day can give a totally new and remarkable healing. Help us to Tell the World of JESUS THE SAVIOUR!

My Ministry with Lepers:

When Molly and I started our mission work, we came across an Old lady from a nearby village. She was the mother of our associate pastor Christudass in Karadiguri Village. She was over 72, and was in a very bad condition. Both the mother and son lived in a small hut. The finger on her hands and toes were raw and blood and rotten liquid were there. We prayed in faith and the Lord healed her leprosy. Slowly new fingers were on her hands and toes. She got baptized and part took in the communion table of the Lord. She lived over 20 years. She would walk 12 kilometers every Sunday from village to Bethel to attend the Sunday worship. 

The second experience was with hundreds of lepers in Rehabilitation Home 10 kilometers from our campus. I had a powerful ministry with them for more than 6 years. I have seen their suffering. Many believed in Jesus and there is a Lutheran Church for them now! These people possess “Telephone Directory”, of all the states of India. They write thousands of letters to the addresses found in these directories, asking for alms and donations. Molly and I had no supporters or resources for our family. We were asked to write letters for them. By writing 100 letters we received Rs.10/-from them. And by writing 1000 letters, we received 100 INR. It was a shameful—begging from beggars-painful job and we quit it after the very first assignment.

It was Compassion and not Condemnation:

This leper wanted to come out of this wretchedness. He heard of Jesus, power and authority in performing miracles. Even though Jesus Himself had not healed any leper, this man believed that “Every thing is Possible” for Jesus and Jesus was greater than his leprosy. He came to Jesus,  fell on his face and said, ““If you are willing, you can make me clean” Thousands were watching this and were hearing this.

Jesus was moved with Compassion and Touched him and said “I will and be thou healed” His daring step of faith and approach fetched him the compassion of Jesus. To-day, even to-day, there are people who think that only they have the right to approach God and do things for the Living God, just because they are well educated, or leaders of great churches and mission organizations, or that they are from a particular nation. This was the

grave mistake of Pharisees and Sadducees and the “Sanhedrin” had in Jesus days. They ignored “The Carpenters Son” and the “Twelve Mighty Fisher Men”.

The great commission Jesus taught us is full of love, compassion, meekness, gentleness, healing, forgiving, releasing, opening up of eyes, uplifting, forbearing etc..But today we pull down, knock out, punch, hate, lookdown and so official like authoritarians. None can approach us easily. People need to fix appointments and permissions to meet us. It is never with Jesus. You can call on him 24-hours and all 7 days. King David approached God 7times in a single day! DO NOT GO TO PEOPLE BUT GO TO JESUS. Men and women can never give to you what Christ gives to you, is just made for you! Healing Of the leper is a Biblical record! None in this world can give you this.

Even if there is prevention and healing, you will still miss a few parts of your body and look different in personal appearance. You will be caged and can only move around in smaller circles.

But the Healing Jesus brings to you is total, and complete. Your flesh will be like the flesh of a baby. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are past away, behold, all things are become new.(2Cor.5:17)Your old past is totally and ALL things become new!

Cautioned not commissioned.

⁴³ Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: ⁴⁴ “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” ⁴⁵ Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

Jesus sent this man only to the priest to show him that he was made whole that Messiah has already come! He was to give to God what belonged to God. His physical body was healed. There are spiritual issues of sin and cures that should be restituted by “Certain sacrifices”.

DON’T TELL ANY ONE”- was the commandment. But this man went declaring, proclaiming, showing and proving that JESUS healed….There is a healer! There is a life restorer!! was his message. The proclamation was so intense that JESUS could no more walk openly. We train and educate and pronounce degrees and doctorates for “Proclamations”. But for Jesus, It takes loathsome persons like me and you to send as His proclaimer.  All his life he lived outside the city. Now, He had free access to the temple, city, family and everywhere. Jesus will make you to walk tall, where you were denied access at one time. He will make people to listen to you! THIS WAS HIS MASTER PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE AND MINE. The ex-leper became a great crowed puller.

We now know why we were going through such a shame, pain and leper like experience. “….But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more”. (Ro.5;20)   His witness brought thousands to Jesus. YOU ARE A STAR attraction NOW!

Dear Friends, Bethel is pulling people to Jesus Christ and his Kingdom, with our humble witness. We praise the Lord for new churches and new believers.

Sustaining, supporting, outreaching, and training needs regular support. Hundreds are hungry for the living God.

Will you kindly pray for our mission and become an active partner?

We will be extremely grateful!

Rev.Dass.T

Director

www.bethelerc.org