Tuesday 7 November 2023

Luke 5:1-11

¹ One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, 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.

This profound moment in Peter’s life, a seasoned fisherman who had toiled tirelessly all night and caught nothing, echoes into our own lives. Regardless of the work we do, we should regard it as part of our called ministry that fulfils God’s larger purpose.

Jesus calls us from diverse backgrounds, blessing us with an array of skills, gifts, and talents. Our work isn’t merely for worldly recognition but is carried out as an offering to Him. In moments of weariness, discouragement, or when your proverbial nets hang bare, we must remember that our trust is solely upon and for Jesus! Our work, once marked by fruitless endeavours, are given new purpose when Jesus stepped into our lives.

Whatever your calling may be and those you need to work with, this passage teachers us humility, obedience, and unwavering trust in God. We are to remain humble, recognizing that our talents, expertise, intellect, and strength are ultimately a gift from God. We are to be obedient because God’s plan for us is greater than any of our own aspirations. We are to trust in God, casting aside our fear and live in the unshakable faith of His divine plan.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift and talents You have blessed us with. When we feel like we have made no headway, help us to remember that You have placed us there for a reason. May we be Your hands and feet in this world, loving those around us because of Your great love!
In Your precious name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by Sven Bessesen