Luke 5:1-11 (NRSV)
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Chapter 5Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, Verse 2he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Verse 3He 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. Verse 4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Verse 5Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." Verse 6When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. Verse 7So 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. Verse 8But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" Verse 9For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; Verse 10and 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." Verse 11When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Devotion
Have you ever been so overwhelmed by the abundant blessings in your life that you felt unworthy? Such is the case with Peter and the fishermen who were astounded by a catch so enormous they feared their boats would sink. If only we were to take the time to count our blessings so that we, too, could realize the manifestation of God’s love in our lives. More important, however, is the need to realize the abundance we have been blessed with is not meant for our use alone.
We are called to follow Jesus, sharing the good news, giving hope to those struggling to stay afloat in deep waters. At times, we may question our call, feeling overburdened by life’s difficulties, or allowing our insecurity and fear of inadequacy to stop us in our tracks. Jesus joins us in these moments, asking us to take a step of faith and place our trust in him.
Prayer
Saving Lord, give us courage as you call us into deeper waters to share the good news with those in need. Give us hearts ready and willing to follow you, leaving behind our reluctance and fear, trusting in your unending love, and allowing us to marvel at blessings that overflow the nets of our imagination. Amen.