 Word 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, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 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. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. 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. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; 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." When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Meditation “Who Will Go for Us?”
I suppose we could focus on the miraculous catch of fish, except that it doesn’t appear to be a miracle. If fish were falling from the sky, now that would be a miracle. This was just a good day’s fishing. Anyone who has fished knows that fish can move and be in one place one time and not there the next time. The unexpected catch does get Peter’s attention, and that’s more to the point. The point of this story is found in the beginning; the crowd is pressing upon Jesus to hear the word. Luke makes a distinction between the words “crowd” and “people” in his gospel. A crowd is an unorganized mob. A people is the result of the Holy Spirit at work through the proclamation of the Word. Jesus taught the crowd, but they do not yet become a people through his word. Jesus seemed to realize that he needed help, and so he told Peter to go fishing. It may be that Jesus wanted to get Peter’s attention, and that’s why he gave some fishing advice. But it also may be that Jesus wanted to free Peter from his fishing obligation so he could have him. Fishing was controlled by rich people. Peter didn’t get to sell the fish he caught. He turned them over to the one who had the fishing rights. That also explains why Peter could just walk away from the catch, they were not his fish. The crowd needed to hear the word, and Jesus needed help proclaiming that word. As Jesus called Peter to follow, he was doing something similar to what God was doing when God asked Isaiah, “Who will go for us?”
That is the question Christ asks of you. Who will go for us? The world is longing for the word, longing to hear good news. The pain, hurt, fear, anxiety, brokenness of our world have caused a hunger that only a gospel word can satisfy. Jesus couldn’t do it all. All of us together can’t do it all, but we can do what we can. Who will go for us? Who will speak good news? Who will bring a hopeful word? You are probably saying, “Not me.” Just like Isaiah, “Woe is me.” Just like Peter, “Go away from me.” Just like Moses, “I’m not a good speaker.” Just like Jeremiah, “I’m too young and inexperienced.” We all have our excuses. There is an old saying that applies here, “God does not call the qualified; God qualifies the called.” God gives the gifts to do what God has called us to do.
So what is that word that the world longs to hear? It could be as simple as this. You sins are forgiven. You are a child of God. Nothing in all creation can separate you from the love of God. What do you think? Isn’t that what you need to hear? Isn’t that what the world needs to hear? Christ issues the call. Who will go for us? God qualifies the called. Peter got a boatload of fish, you get bread and wine. Peter got an amazing catch of fish, you get a miracle: Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, held in your hand, entering every cell and fiber of your body. In the mystery of Christ hidden in bread and wine, your sins are forgiven, you are a child of God, nothing can ever separate you from the love of God. There is your qualification. Here is your call. Who will speak good news? Who will speak that hopeful word? Who will go for us?
Prayer
Most holy God, the earth is filled with your glory, and before you angels and saints stand in awe. Enlarge our vision to see your power at work in the world, and by your grace make us heralds of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
NEXT WEEK IN WORSHIP
February 14, 2010: The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Exodus 34:29-35 Psalm 99 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Luke 9:28-43a
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