Characteristics of World Changers

Characteristics of World Changers          

Luke 5:1-11

1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God.

2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.

3 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.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

7 So they signalled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”

11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Being a world changer is in vogue nowadays. As social media takes on a larger role in our lives, societies across the world had become more sensitive and intertwined with each other. There is an increasing recognition of a global citizenry, a shared understanding, a mutual destiny. Growing up in such an era had generally resulted in a more socially conscious generation. The term “world changer” is no longer a mere label of youthful idealism, but a definition of the aspirations and personal vocation of many young adults across the globe.

A google search of “world changer” yield approximately 134,000,000 results with a Christian bent on the first page. Narrow the search to “characteristics of a world changer” and there will be approximately 2,170,000 results, including a wider set of narratives such as the United Nations, technological mavericks and social activists.

How then is the Bible relevant to being a world changer? Although “disciple makers” and “salt & light” are part of what it means to be a world changer, it is possible to explore a few characteristics that are essential for a budding world changer.

We have heard of the 12 disciples countless times, and the 3 main disciples (Peter, James and  John) feature prominently in various parts of the gospels. An interesting question will be:  Why were they chosen? Well, the Scripture does not explicitly explain why they were called by Jesus.

However they had certain qualities that were exemplified in Luke 5:1-11. It may not be the actual reason behind their calling, but these are nevertheless key qualities that a world-changer for Christ should possess.

1) Word Centered (v1-3)

In the gospels, it is not unusual to observe a huge crowd gathering to listen to Jesus. However this situation is unique because:

1.1) It was at the wee hours.

Fishermen generally operate at night where it is quiet and the waters are still.

This will be between 11pm to 5am. In this context, the timing should be closer to 3 to 5am. The clue lies in Peter's words in v5 "Master we have worked hard ALL NIGHT..."

The people were so hungry to listen to Jesus that even the odd timing will not hinder them. And among those who listened to Jesus were His 3 future disciples.

How hungry are we to listen to God?

Specifically how hungry are we to seek God's direction for our life?

Do we find joy and delight in obeying His ways, knowing that laying down our ways and lifting up His ways 

will garner a fruit of righteousness and eternal reward?

Do we seek to deepen our understanding of God's Word, to seek the wisdom from above and witness its powerful illumination for all aspects of our lives?

Do we have an acute sense of personal accountability to God, that even as we are redeemed by His blood from eternal death to the fullness of life, we live in devotion to His will and His ways?

Do you know the various characteristics of God's Word and experience the various roles it plays in your life - mirror, sword, bread, hammer, lamp, seed, etc?

1.2) They were unschooled fishermen.

Peter and gang were ordinary fishermen- they were neither teachers nor priests.

They couldn't harness these knowledge for profit or prestige. They may not even fully comprehend what Jesus was teaching!

Yet they were among the crowd who listened to Jesus. They had simple hearts and backgrounds, yet an extraordinary thirst to learn from Jesus.

Are you still having a thirst to learn from God's Word?

The depth of your relationship with God is constrained by how much you understand Him and His ways. Pray for a thirst to learn from His Word if you felt your desire waning or close to being snuffed out.

1.3) They set aside their work to listen.

Peter's livelihood was in fishing, yet he set aside his boat to ferry Jesus as He taught to the crowd at the shore.

The few hours of fishing before Jesus arrived were clearly not fruitful. To make up for the shortfall, Peter and gang could have ignored Jesus and went to a less crowded spot to fish. Yet they chose to stay to listen to His teaching.

Are there any demanding issues you need to resolve, yet had not committed to God?

If there is, set aside a moment (5 to 10 minutes) to pray and read a random/memory verse. Take faith and let God's Word sink into your heart. 

The following verses put it well:

James 1:5-7 NIV

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

The following three attributes can be observed in v 4-5

2) Humility

Jesus- by profession He is a carpenter. By vocation He is a teacher. He is NOT a fisherman. Jesus probably did not have as much experience as Peter when it comes to fishing.

Peter could have turned around and dissuaded Jesus. Verse 5 could have gone like:

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. Furthermore the commotion amongst the crowd would have driven off the fishes. It will be better to fish further down the shore."

Yet Peter did not respond in that manner. He could have brushed off Jesus, or offer his take on a better alternative. He could have wagered on his more extensive experience and schooled Jesus in the craft of good catch.

Perhaps Peter noticed something about Jesus, and acknowledged that there is a possibility that this carpenter & teacher may turn out to be right. Peter put aside his preconceived notions of how things ought to be and listened to Jesus. Such was his humility!

This practical lesson does not just apply to Peter. In development work, professional engineers witnessed massive savings in time, money and manpower when they learn to put aside their preconceived notions and bias to partner with local villagers, many of whom are not formally educated, to design energy efficient cook stoves. 

Humility is demonstrated when we are open to consider the least likely sources.

Are you open to the suggestions of those around you?

Do you consider some people’s opinions to be beneath you because of your experience or qualifications?

Are you having the attitude of constantly seeking  to learn and grow through life lessons & people whom you encounter in your daily routine?

3) Faith

Peter was working against his gut feelings when he chose to let down the nets. This was faith in action!

Ever had the feeling that you might not make it but God inspired you with a solution or a commandment? 

How did you respond at that point in time?

4) Obedience

With humility Peter heeded Jesus’ advice. With faith Peter chose to let down the nets. Yet there is one thing that ties humility and faith as one consistent life – obedience.

This is the crux: Peter wasn't just listening, but he was quick to obey and act upon what Jesus said. At that instance, faith is bolstered with clear cut obedience. The importance of the Word tied to obedience is emphasised in various parts of James:

James 1:22-25

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Also in Psalms 1:1-3, it is written:

 1 Blessed is the one

    who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

    or sit in the company of mockers,

2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

    and who meditates on his law day and night.

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

    which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither—

    whatever they do prospers.

Obedience should be out of reverence for the Lord, not due to peer pressure or other fears:

This is what the Lord says:

Isaiah 66:1-2

“Heaven is my throne,

    and the earth is my footstool.

Where is the house you will build for me?

    Where will my resting place be?

2 Has not my hand made all these things,

    and so they came into being?”

declares the Lord.

“These are the ones I look on with favor:

    those who are humble and contrite in spirit,

    and who tremble at my word.

Are you quick to obey God?

Have you gone through periods where you wrestle with doubts about life’s issues? How did you survive through them? What were the breakthroughs that took place along the way? Did you see the possible association between your breakthrough and certain facets of your personal obedience to God?

5) Able to mobilise and be mobilised (v6-7)

There was evident teamwork between Peter and his fellow fishermen. Although it may seem like a commonsensical and minor affair, the ability to mobilise and rally people to a worthy cause is important. No world changer can work solo – that is why in various parts of Scripture, teamwork is an absolute necessity to overcome difficulties and fulfil the call of God.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ephesians 4:16

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

6) Contrite & Repentant spirit

Peter fell at Jesus’ feet because he just realised who He is.

Psalm 19:13-14

13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;

    may they not rule over me.

Then I will be blameless,

    innocent of great transgression.

14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart

    be pleasing in your sight,

    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 51

1 Have mercy on me, O God,

    according to your unfailing love;

according to your great compassion

    blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity

    and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,

    and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned

    and done what is evil in your sight;

so you are right in your verdict

    and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,

    sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;

    you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;

    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins

    and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,

    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence

    or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation

    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,

    so that sinners will turn back to you.

14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,

    you who are God my Savior,

    and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

15 Open my lips, Lord,

    and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;

    you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;

    a broken and contrite heart

    you, God, will not despise.

18 May it please you to prosper Zion,

    to build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,

    in burnt offerings offered whole;

    then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Isaiah 57:15

For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Romans 12:1-2

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

If we observe the life of Peter, there are two distinctive threads: his brash personality and his steadfastness towards Jesus. Peter was by no means perfect- he had his share of screw ups and failures. Yet after all that is said and done, he consistently displays a willingness to repent and return to the ways of his Lord. Perhaps this was the main quality that Jesus was looking out for.

When we are contrite before God, He is given free reign (not just rein) to do His sanctification work within us. Then we will see that it is God who empowers us to do the things which by nature we are not inclined or unable to do.

How is God reigning in your life now?

When was the last time you give thanks to God for saving you from a life of sin into His glorious light?

Are there any struggles you are facing now? How is God involved in this struggle in your life?

7) Reorientation (v10b)

As a fisherman by trade, the phrase “fish for people” must have resonated deeply within Peter.

The significance of this simple sentence cannot be underestimated, and there is deep meaning behind it:

7.1) Peter’s vocation shifted from commerce to clergy

Peter‘s main activity was to be a fisherman. He probably did not think much beyond spending his days fishing and making a simple living. Yet he was told to leave his livelihood – to “job hop” from being a fisherman to being a disciple of Jesus.

That was a radical shift, because he was not able to fully ascertain Jesus’ ability to take care of his material needs (apart from the extreme catch demonstrated earlier).

7.2) Peter’s catch is no longer fish, but people.

Peter fished for a living, but now Jesus is telling him that his life is going to be lived for the people whom he fishes. That instead of catching fish to be sold and consumed (for his use), he will be catching people for their own good.

There is a radical shift from self-centered concerns to the concerns of the Kingdom.

The concerns of the Kingdom should be comprehended with increasing depth as we reflect upon our life experiences over the years.

The concerns of the Kingdom is not merely proselytising and telling everyone about Jesus. It is intimately tied to our identity – our conception of who we are, our life mission and how this “Kingdom” deal is tied to the various aspects of our lives.

If you had not been in touch with this concern, you had missed the calling that God has for your life. You need to return, refuel and refine your understanding of the compassion of God for the world.

8) Paying the Price (v11)

The finale of this passage is just the beginning of the three disciples’ journey with Jesus.

The qualities of faith, obedience & reorientation collapses into one single act:  the three disciples  “left everything and followed Him”. There are way too many verses in the Bible detailing this:

Matthew 16:24-25

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 

25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.  

Luke 9:62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

John 12:24-26

24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

Acts 20:22-24

22 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.

23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.

24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Philippians 3:7-11

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Hebrews 12:1-3

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

At this point, there is very little to be said except this: All praise and glory to God!