To close out my series on Advent, I'm at a lake with fishermen, fishermen who gained their livelihoods by fishing. Hard work, generational work, they were committed to this lifestyle. Working hard all night only to catch nothing may have been somewhat normal. Washing their nets and allowing empty boats to sit near the water's edge would have been totally normal. However, to cast out again, after no haul of fish, unthinkable.
Yet, that's exactly what Jesus called Simon Peter to do in Luke 5. The choice of words is not lost on this wordsmith. Jesus calls Peter to put out into deep water.
- Boats were empty.
- Fishermen were tired.
- Nets were washed.
Yet, Jesus invited Simon Peter to do something: go deeper.
We all know the rest of the story and do not need Paul Harvey to explain. However, I'm delighted at the new take this sheds on the Christmas story. Was the invitation to catch fish to symbolize catching men? Or was the invitation to simply go deep?
I'm inclined to say it was both.
Jesus gave Simon his new purpose. No longer was he defined by catching fish. He was now being called to a greater purpose. Forsaking everything - Peter said yes.
But what I find so kind of Jesus was to first ask Peter to go deep. Deep takes us to places where there are larger rewards. He went deep so he could go out and fulfill his purpose for which he was created and called! According to this commentary,
As long as you keep pottering along, a boat’s length from the shore, you will only catch little fishes. The big ones, and the heavy takes are away out yonder. Go out there, if you want to get them.
Going deeper may scare the living daylights out of you, as was Simon Peter's response, but it's a fear that calls and brings us into new spiritual places. It's a fear that causes a holy reverence for a powerful God. It's a fear that sheds light on our human condition in light of God's awesome power. And finally, as we see with this crazy fisherman who gave it all up to follow Jesus, it's a fear that causes us to forfeit all and follow.
And there we find the baby, wrapped in burial cloths, and lying in a feeding trough. Having been in the deep, He knew His calling. Luke 4:43 says that Jesus knew He was sent to proclaim the good news about the kingdom of God. Born into human flesh, He forfeited all to fulfill what walking in the deep allowed Him to do.
As you experience all that 2019 held for you and anticipate all that 2020 may usher, have the courage to follow the one lying in a manger and go deep.
Merry Chirsatmas,
Chrisitna
