Today’s readings (click below to open in new tab/window):
Psalms 108; 150, 2 Kings 17:1-18, Acts 9:36-43, Luke 5:1-11

Something a little different today: light meditation on Luke’s story of Jesus recruiting the first apostles.

[Jesus] 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.

Isn’t this often how we encounter God? Going about our daily business, generally aware that he’s around, but not focused on him until he steps up and asks something of us. That’s when we start paying attention; when we really listen for what he has to tell us.

“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.”

How often do we put off turning to God until after we’ve exhausted all other options? We rely on our own plans, our own strength, and then even when we listen to him it’s more out of a sense of desperation or obligation than strong conviction.

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.

The rewards of following Christ are both personal and communal. When we let the Spirit fill us to bursting, we can’t help but share that bounty with our neighbors. When we overflow with love, those we help are also helping us.

But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”

When we realize the magnitude of Christ’s gifts of love and forgiveness, we may not feel worthy. Yet Christ hasn’t asked our opinion on the matter; his sacrifice was for everyone. Choosing to accept it is not about whether we deserve it, but about loving him for making it.

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.

May we go and do likewise.

Amen.

Comfort: Christ’s invitation to follow is for everyone.

Challenge: Ask yourself if there’s anything you need to leave behind to follow Christ.

Prayer: Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise. (Psalm 66:1-2)

Discussion: How would you feel about Jesus showing up at your job?

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