Fishy

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. – Luke 5:10-11 (NIV) 

About this parable, dream with me: 

Exhausted, they threw out the nets, just one more time. It didn’t make sense; they were experts. They’d culled the waters all night long, and the fish just weren’t there. They’d trawled with all earnestness and resolve, but it hadn’t been enough.  

It needed to be enough. They needed the fish.  

So they started to point fingers. Did he do this, did they do that. etc. There were many questions.  

Sun up, and it was closing time. Nothing left. They returned to shore, defeated. Pulled the empty nests, began to wash them on the shore.  

There was a crowd gathering. The water’s edge isn’t great for crowds, their feet sinking into the wet sand.  

Jesus saw the boat they’d found useless just moments ago. Useless no more, he climbed aboard. We don’t know what he said. But we do know that listening to him gave Simon enough hope to try once more.  

I don’t know if you’re cleaning your nets or if your feet are sinking into the sand. Or both. Or neither. But I do know this:  

Listening anew might just be what you need to try once more. 

Prayer
Help me, Jesus. Speak anew. I’m listening. Amen.

About the Author
Kaji Douša is the Senior Pastor of The Park Avenue Christian Church, a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, in New York City.