Our scripture this morning is Luke 5:1-11.
One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He 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. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 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.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled 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. 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, 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.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Simon, later called Peter, exhibits doubt and faith at the same time, something we all have likely felt. This traveling teacher asks to use his boat as a speaking platform, then tells him how to do his job. He is reluctant, but something about the presence of Jesus and His words convince him to let down the nets. They are immediately overwhelmed with a huge catch.
At this point Simon Peter exclaims “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (v. 8). Instead, Jesus calls him and his partners to a new mission of fishing for people. Scripture says they left everything and followed Jesus, overcoming their doubt and believing in Him.
Jesus calls us to the same ministry, sometimes where we are and with those familiar to us, sometimes far away and ministering to strangers. God has blessed us each with unique gifts to be used for the good of all His children. It is up to us to go in His strength to accomplish our mission.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for the gift of Your son, our Savior Jesus Christ and the call He placed on our lives to be disciples. Help us to go in faith as did those long ago, following the path Jesus has set for us. Amen.