Luke 5:1-11 | Psalm 112:1-6
Luke’s version of Peter’s calling has much more detail than the other gospels. In this way, it actually makes more sense. Who wouldn’t follow a man who could do such a miracle?
There’s a lot of fullness pressing in on this story. The crowds were big enough that Jesus had to get creative in order to speak to them, from a boat. Lots of people.
Then there’s the miracle with a strange request from a stranger. Simon relents and listens. And boom: lots of fish.
And Jesus sums it up by merging the two: “You will be fishing for (lots of) people.”
Luke 5:1-11
One day Jesus was standing beside Lake Gennesaret when the crowd pressed in around him to hear God’s word. Jesus saw two boats sitting by the lake. The fishermen had gone ashore and were washing their nets. Jesus boarded one of the boats, the one that belonged to Simon, then asked him to row out a little distance from the shore. Jesus sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he finished speaking to the crowds, he said to Simon, “Row out farther, into the deep water, and drop your nets for a catch.”
Simon replied, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you say so, I’ll drop the nets.”
So they dropped the nets and their catch was so huge that their nets were splitting. They signaled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They filled both boats so full that they were about to sink. When Simon Peter saw the catch, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Leave me, Lord, for I’m a sinner!” Peter and those with him were overcome with amazement because of the number of fish they caught. James and John, Zebedee’s sons, were Simon’s partners and they were amazed too.
Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will be fishing for people.” As soon as they brought the boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Psalm 112:1-6
Praise the Lord!
Those who honor the Lord,
who adore God’s commandments, are truly happy!
Their descendants will be strong throughout the land.
The offspring of those who do right will be blessed;
wealth and riches will be in their houses.
Their righteousness stands forever.
They shine in the dark for others who do right.
They are merciful, compassionate, and righteous.
Those who lend generously are good people—
as are those who conduct their affairs with justice.
Yes, these sorts of people will never be shaken;
the righteous will be remembered forever!
Prayer
God,
The people of the nation in which I live is celebrating its birth today. A lot of good has come out of the efforts of those who live in this nation. But I confess, Lord, I’m finding it hard to feel very patriotic these days.
Not with the growing knowledge of just how much violence has been perpetrated throughout the land for centuries. We’ve glorified war, Lord - made it into the lyrics of our official anthem song. And it seems like no one notices just how ingrained violence is. We’ve pushed aside whole people groups - violently so - and called it your will. We’ve taken land and resources as if it’s our right to do so.
I don’t want to be bitter, God. I want to follow your righteousness and the person of the pierced Christ. So help me: help me toward productivity and peace.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.