Wednesday, December 18, 2024
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 gotten 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 burst. 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’s knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all who were with him were astounded 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. Luke 5:1-11
I was driving and bemoaning my life. We all do it at some point. I wanted God to tell me what I wanted to know and to do it right now! Another thing most of us do! I was looking for the owner’s manual for my life and was frustrated that I couldn’t figure it all out. It was in a crystal clear moment when I opened my heart and gave up knowing the answer to my life and looking for it that I heard God whisper, “You are my child! I Love you!” But I had to get out of my way to hear God’s message!
When Jesus calls the first followers he doesn’t do it in the Temple nor does he look for the holiest people. Jesus went fishing! Literally he went fishing at the end of the fishing night, which even I know is not the best time to catch fish. He got in the boat, they went out to the deep water, and Jesus told them to cast their nets. Peter argued! Now personally, this is where I tend to identify with Peter in my clueless amazement. I can imagine the human rolling of the eyes that say, “I know better, but whatever! I’ll try.”
The men cast their nets. THEN it happens! They caught enough fish to break the nets! It was in doing something simple that these men realized they were in the presence of someone different. Epiphany moment! Peter responds in amazement and fear, “I’m a sinner! I’m not good enough for you!” This is where I imagine Jesus smiles the slight knowing smile and looks at Peter wisely with a twinkle in his eyes. Jesus wasn’t looking for ‘perfect’ people! Jesus was looking for people who recognized God in their midst.
Unfortunately, people get caught up in our “knowing” God and what God thinks, does, judges, etc. Jesus wasn’t looking for people who thought they “knew” God’s rules. Jesus was looking for people who knew God by the way of the heart or the aha moment. The fishermen “knew” God in that moment without hesitation. Without question. Without the rules of normal everyday knowledge. They saw Jesus in the experience of nets to the breaking point and faithed this was Holy. Jesus came to them in a way that made sense in their life and they willingly responded without hesitation as can only happen with an open heart and a willing faith.
To respond to God with willingly and open heartedly! To let go of the questions, the rules and the things that hold us back from the task of faithing. What holds you back from doing what God is asking of you? Age? Time? Talent? Remember, God gives us everything we need to do what God wants done…now!
What is holding you back from a full experience of the Holy? Are you looking for the “right” way to worship? The correct set of rules? Can you see God in the unexpected breaking of the everyday rules that break into our lives with freedom and passion? Are you in your own way and keeping yourself from Hearing God say, “I love you! You are my child!”?
Dear Lord, take away the obstacles I put in the way of hearing you and refresh my heart to be passionate in faith. Amen
Rev Heather S Schimmel
Lyons Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
District 1 Regional Elder