Allowing Jesus In
So let’s talk about a fisherman who was changed by Jesus. Listen to what happens in Luke 5:2-3: “He (Jesus) saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.”
Jesus in Our Space
Jesus climbed into Peter’s boat. He came and made himself at home in his situation.
Now maybe you are one of those people who doesn’t like somebody coming into your personal space! Some people are naturally huggy, but some aren’t. These are the type of people who really like that old song by The Police: “Don’t stand so close to me!” I’m a bit like that, to be honest, I like a bit of personal space. I’d prefer to greet you with a warm smile at an arm’s length than with a hug.
To some extent, we are all naturally protective of our own space. And it goes deeper than just physical space: there are some people that you let into the deep, dark crevices of your life; but most people you keep at a distance. That’s normal.
Letting Jesus In
But friends, you’ve got to allow Jesus in if you want to get to know Him and allow Him to change you. How many of us miss out because Jesus comes into our space, and we say, “No, sir! Keep your distance!”
Maybe it’s because we’ve been hurt many times by those we let into our space. Maybe it’s because we let our guard down, perhaps even with people in the church—people who were supposed to protect and be good to us—and they hurt us. And so now we keep the walls up.
Jesus came and climbed into Peter’s boat; He got right into Peter’s space, and Peter could’ve said, “Listen, sorry. You ain’t coming into my boat. John needs you, but I’m OK…”
Maybe that’s you today, listening to this! Maybe Jesus is wanting to get close and climb into your life so He can begin the work of healing and helping and blessing you, but you’re saying, “Not me, not my boat—Jesus, go to somebody else!”
I think this is tragic when we end up pushing Him out. Friends, let Him in. Let Him in, and He will bring the change you need.
Even if you let nobody else into your heart, let Jesus in. And do it today! There’s no need to delay. He is willing to step into your boat with His grace and love, ready to embrace you and help you.
But you’ve gotta let Him in.
I pray that right now, as this message finishes, you’ll take a moment to pray, and ask Jesus to step into your boat, and into your heart, and into your life, and begin His transforming work with you.
