“. . . they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break . . . When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.’ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken.” (Luke 5:6-9)

Sometimes, we think God exists to make our lives go better, as if there were some kind of earthly reward for following Jesus. Actually, that’s what the proponents of a ‘prosperity gospel’ proclaim. If we are obedient to God’s laws, and follow His counsel, our lives will benefit.

Interesting, isn’t it, that Peter experienced more prosperity than he had ever before. He was a professional fisherman, and he had never had such a catch of fish. And he knew Jesus was the reason.  

But instead of insisting that Jesus continue to bless him, his response was the opposite. “Go away from me.  You’re holy! I’m in your presence and that’s too high a price to pay for this prosperity. I’d rather sweat to pull in a few fish than be confronted with who You are.”  

But Jesus didn’t go away. He invited Peter to follow Him. And Peter did. Immediately. Leaving everything behind.

Peter knew it wasn’t about the fish. He knew it wasn’t about prosperity. He knew it wasn’t about making life easier.

He knew it was about Jesus. And so he followed.  

Prosperity? It wasn’t because of Peter. It never is. It was because of Jesus. It was because of Jesus that Peter received immeasurably more than a boatload of fish.

In your ministry’s capital campaign, it may be easy to think it’s all about the campaign. It may be easy to think it’s all about the money pledged (prosperity). But it’s not. It’s not about buildings to be built. It’s not even about dollars raised.  

It’s about Jesus. It always is!