“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a] 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 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. 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.” Luke 5.1-11
I simply love this story. I love the genuineness of Jesus. I love how he uses those elements around him to show his glory and bless the people. I love that he chose the boat owned by Peter and how he repaid Peter for the use of his boat by bringing in the largest catch these fishermen had ever seen.
Isn’t this just like Jesus to do way more than we can ask or expect? I see that in my own life, with my wife, kids, and vocations he’s given us. I see his blessings all around us even if I forget sometimes and become selfish or wrapped up in sin.
Jesus was just hanging out by the Sea of Galilee. This is a different “call” story then what we see in Matthew. Here we see Jesus performing a miracle before Peter, James, John and Andrew, as well as others. These fishermen “pulled up their boats, left everything and follow him.” Jesus even left their families financial fit for a while with such a large haul of fish.
Jesus uses this miracles for so many purposes. He reveals his glory to Peter who says, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.” He blesses the fishermen and their families. He conveys the truth that nothing is impossible with God. This miracle, along the shoreline of Galilee, reflects the God who made it happen.
And speaking of making things happen, there is nothing to hold back God’s power, might or strength in our lives. There is nothing we can not do with God on our side. Jesus demonstrates his control over the elements, once again, by gathering all the fish into empty nets just as he gathers people into God’s kingdom.
How you allowed God to “gather” you up? Have you trusted him with your next steps? Have you put your trust in the one who loves you more than you love yourself? Jesus will stop at nothing to draw us to himself. Lean into Christ today. Ask him to fill you up with his forgiveness, grace and mercy, so you might bless him and those around you with his love.
“O Lord God, you amaze me. I would have loved to sit on that shoreline, watching and hearing you teach. And seeing you do what has never been done before or since. You are master of the wind, waves and apparently the fish! (Jonah would attest to this as well!) Thank you Lord for loving your people and calling us by name. Thank you for not leaving us as orphans but for coming to us with the might of your Holy Spirit. I love you Lord and trust your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen