“Push out into deep water and let your nets out for a catch.”
Luke 5:4 (MSG)

So, have you ever had a career change?  A mid-life course correction?  An unexpected opportunity present itself?  An abrupt path alteration?  Peter did!  So did the other disciples Jesus called to follow him.

This Sunday as we Journey through the Gospel of Luke we are at one of my favorite stories, the calling of three of Jesus’ disciples: Peter, James and John (Luke 5:1-11).  I love how Jesus calls Peter to follow him.  It is a series of three small (or big depending on your perspective) directives.  As Jesus approached Peter’s boat he said, “Push out away from the shore.”  After he was finished teaching, he said, “Push out into deeper water and cast your nets.” After a miraculous catch of fish, he said, “There is nothing to fear. From now on you’ll be fishing for men and women.”  Three phrases that changed everything!

I believe we have all faced life-changing decisions at one time or another in our lives…a fork in the road that called for us to make a choice.  Maybe it was a big decision like college or a dream job that led you away from all that was familiar.  Or perhaps it was a series of small choices that seemed insignificant at the time that led to something new.  Big or small our path was laid out before us; we made a choice and stepped out on a journey. 

For Peter it started with a carpenter’s apprentice giving fishing advice and ended with a new vocation.  But, it wasn’t really a new vocation, he was still a fisherman.  It was just a different way of fishing, a different method of casting his nets.

How has your faith, your decision to be a follower of Jesus changed your life?  Where have you been called to cast your net?

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

Jesus said to Simon, “There is nothing to fear. From now on you’ll be fishing for men and women.” They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him.

Luke 5:10-11 (MSG)