Trusting Jesus
1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. 4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
Luke 5:1-11
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As this is Women’s History Month, I am sharing excerpts from President Joseph R. Biden: A Proclamation on Women’s History Month, 2021.
Each year, Women’s History Month offers an important opportunity for us to shine a light on the extraordinary legacy of trailblazing American women and girls who have built, shaped, and improved upon our Nation.
Throughout American history, women and girls have made vital contributions, often in the face of discrimination and undue hardship. Courageous women marched for and won the right to vote, campaigned against injustice, shattered countless barriers, and expanded the possibilities of American life. Women continue in the fight for human rights, peace, and security. Far too often, their heroic efforts and their stories have gone untold — especially the millions of Black women, immigrant women, and others from diverse communities who have strengthened America across every generation.
In our current moment of crisis, women continue to lead. From vaccine researchers to public health officials to the countless heroines on the frontlines, women are working around the clock to defeat COVID-19. Women, and particularly women of color, also make up the majority of America’s essential workers, including educators and child care providers, grocery store workers, farm workers, and others who are keeping our families, our communities, and our country afloat. This year has also marked an historic milestone of women’s leadership 232 years in the making, with the inauguration of America’s first woman Vice President, Kamala Harris.
We all have many women in our lives to love, honor, respect, praise, and celebrate throughout this month; as well as every day of our lives. We have our grandmothers, mothers, aunties, sisters, cousins, girlfriends, role models, and mentors. Women, who have prayed for us, encouraged us, supported us, and those who have journeyed before us and with us on this path of life.
Today is March 14, 2021. It was Sunday, March 15th, 2020 that we held the last worship service in the sanctuary of Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles due to the Global Pandemic. No one could have imagined what the coming days, months, and year would have entailed. I don’t know about you but, I am so thankful just to be here……the sanctity of life has taken on a different meaning. I am more thankful, more grateful, for each and every day!
Consider how the contributions of women throughout history have been neglected; until they began advocating for themselves to be duly recognized for their value as persons who have contributed immeasurably to the achievements of the nation.
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1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 2 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. 4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing: Luke 5:1-5a
This chapter is a part of Jesus’ early Galilean Ministry. Galilee was Jesus’ home province. It was not technically Jewish, as was Judea, but contained a large Jewish population. Most of Jesus’ ministry was focused near the Sea of Galilee, where Peter, James, and John had labored as fishermen.
All had been amazed at Jesus’ teaching and his power. Yet, most still hesitated, waiting for more evidence or for some sign before they committed themselves to him. But some did not hesitate; they made the choice immediately.
The people came in great numbers to hear the word of God! This is similar to our practice of gathering within our places of worship on a weekly basis, to hear the word of God! But, within our text, the location was on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, also known as the Sea of Galilee and the multitude pressed their way towards Jesus, to hear his message.
Jesus saw two boats, but the fishermen were not in them, for they were finished with their work and were washing their nets. Jesus stepped into the boat belonging to Simon and asked him to launch away from the shore, as Jesus sat down and continued teaching from the boat. Perhaps he felt more people would be able to hear his message from this position, as he distanced himself from the crowd. This scene is similar to the positioning of the pulpit within our churches; the position enables all to hear the message and view the messenger as well. When Jesus completed his delivery of the word to the crowd, he directed his attention to Simon. He said, “launch out into the deep waters and let down your nets for a catch”.
Simon’s initial response: Master, (tone of reverence and respect), we were here, fishing all night long and we caught nothing. Fishing was generally done at night. During the day, the fisherman on the shore or wading in the water could throw the casting net. Though Simon, an experienced fisherman, was sure he would not catch anything at that time of the day when the fish were deeper in the lake.
Consider what it means for you to trust Jesus even when your experience leads you to believe it may be an exercise in futility.
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“Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” Luke 5:5b.
The fishermen worked at night – when the schools of fish were in toward the shore to feed on the swarms of minnow in the shallower, warmer waters. Larger nets were usually let down by several men from boats. Not only was Jesus giving Simon instructions to try again, but, this time - “go deeper”. In Simon’s response, he was probably intimating Lord, I’m tired, I’m weak and I’m worn……Jesus sat there waiting and listening to Simon’s complaint. Simon probably went on to express himself by stating: I have been working hard all night without anything to show for it. Lord, I have done all that I know how to do, in the way I have been trained, without success. Is there anyone listening who can identify with Simon’s complaint? Lord, it was not easy being out there, on the water all night long…I’m tired, but, yet you tell me, to continue, you tell me not to give up, you tell me to “go deeper” in my exhaustion, in my despair, you want me to continue fishing….in my frustration, and this sense of hopelessness, you want me to continue, to try again, and this time “go deeper”, try harder, put forth greater effort.
Simon could not understand this call, this summons, this request presented to him by Jesus. But, yet, there was something about these instructions which he could not reject as being impossible. In the midst of his contemplations and perplexities, he could not ignore this request. There was something about this request which commanded an appropriate response. He could not blatantly say, “No”. After he released his complaint – as Jesus sat listening – Simon responded, “Nevertheless, at your word, I will let down the nets,” I will try again, I will go deeper…because you have made this request, you have called me to this particular task. Simon had no way of knowing what the results would entail until he decided to willingly honor Jesus’ request. For he had the choice to say “Yes, Lord, I will try again, or “No, forget it – I will come back another day…
Consider what it means when you are exhausted, teetering on the brink of despair in your disappointment about your failed efforts to try again at the word of the Lord, without knowing the outcome if you comply.
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Wednesday, March 17, 2021 |
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6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. Luke 5:6-7
When he launched into the deep waters, he caught a multitude of fish. He was blessed beyond his expectations. The text states that it was such a great catch that he called his partners in the other boats to come and help.
When faced with disappointments in our lives – do we give up too soon? Do we search for the easy route of escapism? Do we exercise the traits of perseverance and endurance given to us by God?
Many have given up today; given up on life and given up on God. This portrays an absence of hope. As we reflect upon this text, we must lift up the fact that Jesus was with Simon in the boat; he did not send him out alone. Jesus has promised that he would never leave us alone. He promised that he would be with us through sickness and death, through trials and difficulties in life, as well as our periods of joy and celebration. Because of God’s word and God’s promises we too must proclaim: Nevertheless, at thy word, I shall continue to press on; knowing that you are with me!
The words to Simon “go deeper” speak to us in our present day: we must “go deeper” in our attempts to promote peace, justice, and reconciliation in our world. We must “go deeper” in our attempt to resolve our differences. We must “go deeper” in our relationship with God and humanity. We must “go deeper” in our efforts to provide for and protect our children. Launching into the deep also relates to moving away from the comfort zone, treading new waters, new territories, new ventures, new heights, and new depths.
As Simon continued to fill his nets with this great catch and his partners filled their boat as well, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord. He humbled himself before Jesus, saying, “I am unworthy to receive this blessing; for he was astonished and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken. The text mentions that James and John, sons of Zebedee were his partners. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid…from now on you will catch men, (you will catch my people). you shall draw others to Jesus. You will be my disciples.
Consider what it means (emotionally, physically, and psychologically) that doing what the Lord asks yields a benefit that not only satisfies you but also those with whom you are in relationship.
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8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; Luke 5:8-9
Simon was called to “call others to Jesus”; he was to tell them “don’t give up”, “don’t be afraid”, the Lord, Jesus is with you, wherever you go…if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Jesus was telling Simon, James, and John – you shall gather my people together and draw them unto me – bring them unto me – just as the fish were brought to you – just as you were blessed that day on Lake Gennesaret, go out and bless others by proclaiming the word of the Lord. Just as I supplied you with strength on that day to “go deeper,” I will supply strength to others.
Tell them -The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul. Tell them - that they that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up like wings of an eagle, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint. Tell them - that time is filled with swift transition – none on earth can move or stand – build your hopes on things eternal – hold to God’s unchanging hand. Although the world appears to be undergoing rapid decay, destruction, devastation – This is God’s creation and we are God’s people, created in God’s own image. Tell them – this joy I have, the world didn’t give to me and the world can’t take it away……keep on spreading the word, the words of salvation, hope, love, mercy, grace, power, endurance forever!
Consider how you respond when responding positively to what the Lord asks and you are surprisingly astonished about the outcome.
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10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” Luke 5:10
You may wonder, “How can we continue to make disciples, share the gospel, fulfill works of ministry in the midst of a global crisis; the Pandemic of 2020-2021? Jesus said that we would fulfill greater works of ministry! We can fulfill greater works of ministry – now – beyond the walls of the church!
We have the blessing of the radio ministry and we thank KJLH that enables us to access local radio stations as well as the World Wide Web. Many churches have included teleconferences, Zoom, Microsoft platforms, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram to continue the work of ministry. Many churches and ministries have had to shift or pivot their methods, practices, and procedures, or “Go Deeper” in order to continue the mission of Jesus Christ. The pandemic has presented opportunities to re-imagine the scope of mission and ministry. We must continue to “Go Deeper” and launch into previously unknown territories and learn new things! In this Digital Age there is always something new to learn – because this world of technology is ever-growing and ever-changing!
Consider what it means while Jesus found disciples netting the surf and we now gain disciples surfing the internet.
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11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him. Luke 5:11
God knows exactly what we are going through during this time in history. Many have lost loved ones, employment, homes, finances – and some have lost their sense of hope, dreams, and aspirations. As a people of God we will continue to make the best of these perilous times; by holding on to our faith and holding on to the Spirit of God within us and among us!
We must use this time of the pandemic; during this Lenten season, to deepen our relationship with God and pray without ceasing. Don’t stop praying, don’t stop believing that through it all – God is with us – God is for us – through it all. God continues to bless us in the midst of death, destruction, oppression. God continue to bless us through the hatred, racism, and sexism – through it all.
Consider how you respond to the miraculous experiences you have when following what the Lord has asks of you as a disciple and follower.
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Conclusion
“Through It All” by Andrae Crouch
I’ve had many tears and sorrows/ I’ve had questions for tomorrow/ There’ve been times I didn’t know right from wrong/ But in every situation/ God gave blessed consolation/ That my trials come/ To only make me strong.
I thank God for the mountains/ And I thank him for the valleys/ I thank him for the storms/ He brought me through/ For if I’d never had a problem/ I wouldn’t know that He could solve them/ I’d never know what faith in God could do.
Through it all/ through it all/ I’ve learned to trust in Jesus/ I’ve learned to trust in God/ Through it all/ through it all/ I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.
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2412 Griffith Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90011
Phone: (213) 748-0318
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