Our scripture this morning is Luke 5:4-11.
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.
I can imagine Peter’s reaction to Jesus asking them to drop their nets again. “Who is this guy? We’ve been fishing all night, we’ve caught nothing, and we’re the professionals here!” However, Peter and his friends do listen and are amazed at the enormous catch they achieve, just as Jesus said. The scripture tells us “So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him” (v. 11).
As they journey with Jesus, they learn to trust Him more in everything He teaches them. After His resurrection, He tells them to go and make disciples of all the world, continuing His ministry through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Each of His followers had a mission and nearly all were martyred for their faith.
We are called to trust Jesus the same way they did. While we may not be asked to leave our home and family or suffer death for Him, we must be ready for whatever comes. Christ has opened the door to eternal life for all who confess Him as Lord and savior, and we must follow.
Loving Lord, we thank you for the blessing of forgiveness and the call You place on our lives. Help us to be strong against the ways of the world, loving all our brothers and sisters as You first loved us. Amen.