Luke 5:1-39
It has been said that preachers should stand up, speak up, shut up, and sit down. Jesus sort of broke this unwritten rule. "He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat" which belonged to Simon Peter. When He finished teaching He did stop speaking.
Simon and his associates had spent the entire night fishing, but had caught nothing. Fishing was not on their minds as they washed their nets, calling it a day. But Jesus turned to Simon and said, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." A catch?
What did Jesus know about fishing that these fishermen didn't know? He was by trade a carpenter. Peter and Andrew and James and John were professionals. They made their livelihood by fishing. Simon Peter answered, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." Nevertheless, yes, nevertheless....
They dropped their net and the fish just seemed to jump right into it. They caught so many fish that their net began to break. Before long they had two boats filled with so many fish that the boats began to sink. They had never seen anything like this.
Some fishermen today would be asking Jesus to join their fishing company. Just think how much money they could make fishing with the Lord. A frightened Peter had other thoughts. Instead, he fell to his knees and cried out, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord." Jesus turned to Simon and said, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men." (In Mark 1:16-20 this same incident is recorded. In that account Jesus addressed Peter and the others, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.")
Simon Peter said, "Depart from me." Jesus replied, "Follow Me." That day Peter, Andrew, James, and John brought their boats to land, left behind everything, and followed the Lord.
That memorable day began with their failure to catch anything. Then they experienced good fortune in filling their boats with fish, even at the risk of sinking. Finally they bade farewell to family and friends. From that day forward they would become fishers of men.
Today many people seek positions of leadership and financial prosperity. Jesus is looking for followers.
Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb,
And shall I fear to own His cause, or blush to speak His name?
Lord, You are mindful of the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. You also know everything about each of us. Thank You for calling us to follow You. We bow before You this day. Use us for Your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen!
