Think About It—God’s Word is personal and specific!
Read About It—Luke 5:1-11
A long, long time ago in a place far far away (March 26, 2000; Los Angeles, CA), ABC presented the 72nd annual Academy Awards. For the most part, it was business as usual: Big stars, expensive (and sometimes elaborate) clothing and a little gold statue named Oscar. But there was at least one surprise that night. For years, Star Wars was the undisputed King of science fiction and special effects. When the Phantom Menace was released, people got “Star Wars Crazy” all over again. Think about it—how many times have you seen the movies? Not only that, but people have been using Star Wars for years to draw all kinds of cool little “spiritual parallels” for illustration. Modern-day parables, so-to-speak. Anyway, to the surprise of many, Star Wars did not walk away with the Academy Award for best visual effects. As a matter of fact, Star Wars did not win an Academy Award in any of the 23 categories. Instead, Jon Thum, Janek Sirrs, John Gaeta and Steve Courtley walked away with their first Academy Awards ever for a film called The Matrix. Maybe you’ve heard of it (duhhh…). Little Anakin and the red and black Darth got “mauled” (ha? ha?) The Matrix actually won four Academy Awards that night: Film Editing, Visual Effects, Sound Effects Editing and Sound.
Now to the point of all this “ancient” entertainment trivia. Throughout the first part of The Matrix, the star (played by Keannu Reaves) is constantly blown away by people who seem to know everything about him and about his immediate future—things that no one could possibly know. For example, someone accesses his computer (sort of an instant messaging kind of thing) and types out the words, “Knock, knock, Neo.” Immediately someone knocks on his door! Talk about creepy…Later he gets a cell phone in the mail. It rings and the voice on the other end tells him to look over his cubicle wall to catch a glimpse of the guys that are coming to get him. Imagine how it would feel to know that someone had the ability to tell you exactly what was about to happen to you. You would either run for your life or bow down and worship. Simon Peter had the same experience, and the same choice to make. Try to put yourself in Peter’s shoes…what would you have done?
Okay, go back and read Luke 5:1-11 one more time.
Now for the REAL stretch—Disciples of Christ…
Know God—In what way did God reveal Himself to you as you read His Word?
Live for God—What one lifestyle change is God calling you to make?
Love Others—In what way is God calling you to minister to someone in need?
Bear Fruit—In what ways will you set the example and the standard for others to follow?