Discipleship – Going Where No Disciple-Maker Has Gone Before
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 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.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 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. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 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.” Luke 5:4-10
This passage from Luke is different than other gospel accounts. In Matthew and Mark Jesus is on the shore calling to the disciples. This calling of the disciples, however, has Jesus in the boat with Simon.
Reading this passage, we assume that it has been a long day. Jesus has been speaking to the crowds. Based on Simon’s response, we know that he has been fishing, presumably the way he has always fished – all night long.
Seeing Simon had no fish, Jesus tells Simon to roll out further and cast his net. Tired and worn out, Simon wants Jesus to understand that it has been a long night and he is a professional fisherman. Nevertheless, Simon Says, because you have asked me to, I will.
How many times have the outcomes of your endeavors frustrated you?
Many times, I have wanted to admit defeat because my plan had not produced any results. I did everything I had been taught, and still nothing. The last thing I wanted to hear was another suggestion on how to get results. Many times, I have been asked how to get people into the church or the church’s ministry. When I ask what they are doing most of the time, the answer is, “We’re doing what we’ve done for the last 20 years.”
Women, and Luke 5, had done what he had always done, but this night it did not work. Jesus called Simon to go into new, deeper waters. Jesus calls him to go where he had not been. The result is that Simon catches more fish than he can manage and must call for help. Jesus tells him that he will bring in people.
As we get frustrated about the results of our ministry, I challenge you to realize that Jesus very well may be calling you to go where you have never gone and cast your Nets.
Be open to Jesus telling you to go deeper and reach out into unfamiliar places. Like Simon, I believe you will find that fishing is much better, closer to the shore of the church. As you hear Jesus, trust, as Simon did, and say, “Because you have said to me, I will go.”
I am a Star Trek fan. Part of its appeal is the charge given to them to go and add new people from new places to their community. There are challenges, but they see results during their exploration.
So, go where no disciple has gone before. God is with you!
Live long and prosper!
Prayer: So many times, God, I fish in the waters that are close and familiar. Help me to hear your voice to go deeper and reach people for Christ. I know that there will be challenges, and I must depend wholeheartedly on you and your grace. Nevertheless, I know that it is worth it, and you will be with me. Thank you for that assurance. Amen
Rev. Dr. Rick Vance
