As Jesus begins his ministry he invites others into a living and listening relationship with him. He begins to train them to listen and heed his voice in times of lack, discouragement, despair and abundance. Continually he invites his followers into places of trust where they cannot control the outcome of their actions and effort. This place of not knowing how it will all turn out can feel very risky. Thankfully Christ goes with us into these places of deep water. May you sense Jesus companioning you as you listen to this text and head out into your own deep waters today.
Luke 5:1-11 NLT
One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.
Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
For Reflection and Prayer:
As you listened to the text, was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention? Gently repeat the word or phrase, giving it room to settle deeply in your heart.
Reflect on what you heard. Relish the words. Notice how the word or words affected you. Which emotions stirred within you? You might choose to journal about what you heard.
Respond to what you heard and reflected on in your prayer with God. Is there a prayer that rises within you?
Rest in God as you simply be and entrust yourself to God in the quiet.
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