Devotion for February 1, 2022

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 are 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.

On more than one occasion I can recall asking my kids to do something only to hear a response that was less than enthusiastic. In fact, usually the response was apoplectic, begrudging at best. One has to imagine that Simon was less than excited. He was tired. He was frustrated, defeated by the night. He had already cleaned up his nets so that he might go rest. He humors this man who wants to teach from his boat.

Imagine that haul of fish, so large that Simon had to call for help. But Simon’s response is fear and recognition of his own sinfulness. Jesus responds by inviting him to a better way. No longer will you be a laborer, from now one you’ll be the building block of my kingdom. No longer are you a common man going through the motions, you have a purpose. No longer do you need to live in fear. It’s your time!

Friends these are the very same things Jesus says to you when you remember your call to live his better way.

The Monday devotion is brought to you by the Campbell University Center for Church & Community