Luke 5:1-11 (NRSV)
Read Luke 5:1-11 on biblegateway.com
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
This lesson affirms that God’s capabilities far exceed our own and reminds us of the need to have faith. We often struggle with the desire to control events, seeking to direct activities and orchestrate outcomes that oftentimes never happen. As we grow in faith, we realize the wisdom in the adage, “Let go and let God.” Doing so is an act of faith, as Simon demonstrated in our reading. He surrendered his opinion and decision-making authority to the Lord, opened his life and those of his companions to an abundance of blessings.
When we encounter worry or doubt, it can be difficult to lean into our faith and surrender our situation to God. But that is precisely what we are being asked to do. Although we might not always understand what God is up to in our lives, we are called to have faith, like Simon Peter, placing our trust in his wisdom, realizing that his plans surpass our understanding and abilities.
Prayer
Gracious God, give us your guidance when we feel reluctant or fearful and lack the courage to trust you with our whole heart. Help us grow in faith and guide our steps so we can live into your calling for our lives. Amen.
Interested in digging deeper into today’s text?
Read more here.