That’s Fishing – Luke 5:1-11
Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, 2 he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and 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 way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning 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 that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” 11 When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
What does the passage say?
V. 1-3 The crowd comes to hear Jesus’ message about the kingdom. He gets on a boat, not to get trampled, he steps on a boat and shares the message of God’s kingdom.
V. 4-6 After his teaching, Jesus asks Peter to throw the net into the deep sea. Peter knows it will not work, but his experience was not a hindrance to obey Jesus’ command.
V. 7-11 Peter asks Jesus to “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Jesus’ holiness has overwhelmed Peter that it magnified his sinfulness. Instead, Jesus offers a new identity to Peter. By surrendering to God’s will Peter’s sin washes away, and Christ offers a new identity to be part of his Kingdom.
What does the passage say to you and me?
When was the last time your sinfulness has been magnified by the glory of God? By any change did our generation lost the glory of God? Or have we been running away from the glory to hid our sins?
In that moment of truth, Peter was able to understand his limit, as a sinful man. This was possible because he was able to let aside his thought and follow the will of God. Dr. Gregory Jones shared at our Annual Conference, a prayer that became a prayer every morning. I’m not sure if this is correct, but the prayer goes like this. “Lord unleash your miracle, and help me not to be an obstacle to your work.”
Our thoughts should never become an obstacle to God’s work. Our experience should never block God’s will. When we lay down our thoughts and experiences, we will be able to see the glory of God.
Let’s Pray
Lord, we lay down our own will and surrender to your ways. Show us your glory and our sinfulness. May we see your glory shining in this world, through us today.
In Christ name we pray, AMEN
What are your thoughts?
Click to subscribe to our Daily Devotion.
You will receive a devotion in your inbox every morning.