Responding To God's Call In Perilous Times

Sermon – Responding To God's Call in Perilous Times

Scripture Luke 5:1-11

“One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee,[a] great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon,[b] its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. 8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

Introduction: What an honor it must have been to be called on and used by the Lord to assist in his kingdom enterprise. In today’s lesson, Simon Peter is called upon to assist the Lord in preaching the gospel. I think it is interesting that Jesus does not usually come at a convenient time. Sometimes, he come when we are tired, frustrated or just busy. Ever had a long hard day working and all you can think of is getting? You finally walk through the door to grab a snack and head for your recliner, just as you are getting comfortable, the phone rings and life seems to fall on you.

As Jesus launches his public ministry, he needs the help of others. He has overcome the temptation of the wilderness, overcome the rejection of his hometown people at Nazareth, and now he is traveling around sharing the good news with anyone willing to receive it. The shore of Galilee was tingling with excitement as fishing boats lined the coastal shore. Peter, John, Andrew, and James were familiar with Jesus, but had return to their fishing profession. Jesus had been teaching and his crowds were massive. They were pressing in to get close to him. Jesus sees the fishing boats and thought to use one as a pulpit. The disciples were busy washing their nets, getting them ready the next day’s trip. Jesus asked Peter thrust boat out so the crowd could a better view. Peter responds to the Lord and allow him to use his boat. When Jesus calls like Peter, we may be distracted by other things.

1. Jesus Call Comes When We are Distracted by Other Things. “One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee,[a] great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon,[b] its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.“

You never know when Jesus is going to step into your space. Jesus is teaching a multitude of people along the shoreline, and for Peter, what looked like a delay, or a distraction was a gateway to a new life. I am sure after a frustrating night of fruitless fishing; Peter was not expecting another delay. I am sure Peter’s mind on was his business and what he needed to do next. It’s alright to clean nets after a successful day of fishing, but it is tedious job when you have caught nothing but seaweeds. Peter was probably thinking about the expenses of the trip, how to pay his helpers, and how hungry and tired everyone was. They all needed food and rest, but Jesus was only asking a little favor. Peter simply obeys and pushes the boat out a little. We never know what small step obedience to the Lord will do for our lives. Jesus doesn’t tell Peter how long it will take or if he felt like doing it, he just wanted obedience and cooperation. After Jesus finishing preaching, he gives Peter another command. Not only does Jesus call when we are distracted by other things, His call requires a new level of determination.