Go Fish for People
Preacher: Marcia C. Wilkinson

February 4, 2007

Luke 5:1-11

There is nothing more exciting for a fisherman--besides going fishing--than to meet with other fishermen to tell stories about fishing.  I live with one of those men who grew up on the water and to this day will drop most everything to put a fishing pole in hand and head for the nearest or farthest body of water to make a catch.

And, if that isn’t available he’ll talk with anyone regarding stories of the great up coming expedition, or the big one that got away.  Fishermen, ordinary men and women love what they are doing whether as a profession or sport.  They are dedicated, persistent, and will fish ‘til they drop.

So it must have been with the fishermen we meet in our gospel today.  There is a wonderful twist, however, to the story of the fishermen when Jesus came to town.  While Jesus was teaching the crowds at the water’s edge, he needed to get some distance for amplification.  On this lake there are inlets that act as perfect amphitheatres.  So Jesus got into Simon’s boat, asks him to put out into the water, and then tells him to put down the nets.

Now the fishermen have been out fishing all night, and have caught nothing.  These are experienced fishermen and if they haven’t caught fish, then there probably aren’t any nearby to catch.  Simon does what Jesus asks, and then the extraordinary happens that surprises and awes Simon.  The nets are full.  Just like that.  What was it about this Jesus?  The fact that he could do what they could not, and, not just any ole catch- but the weight of which was about to sink their boat.  And, then, Jesus used a play- on words.  The fishermen who were now caught by Jesus- hooked by him- were given a new vocation.  They would fish for people as Jesus had fished for them.

Notice Jesus doesn’t give them reasons for his calling them.  No special qualifications, no character qualities are mentioned, no potential for success was guaranteed.  They did not receive Jesus’ invite in a holy place but in the middle of their daily work.  What Jesus did that day was to change their direction, change their hearts, and reverse their priorities.  Jesus simply reached into the area of their ordinary lives and told them from now on they would cast the net for people.  As Jesus brought each of them to himself in word and action, so would they bring people to Jesus.

This is a simple story of a simple message Jesus gave then and gives now.  The work of his kingdom takes place through God’s big love and God’s abundance.  We bring nothing of our own except the trust that God provides, God will work through us, and give us all we need to go fishing.  We do not need special qualifications or references of our success.  Only one thing is needed, and that is the story of Jesus we know to be true for us- the message of the good news of Jesus the Christ, and the passion to share it with others.

If we say there is no way I can do that- I am not qualified.  I am not a great speaker.  I haven’t been a Christian very long.  I don’t know Scripture or how to pray well.  There is no need to say we can’t do it.  Of course we can’t do it.

The seasoned fishermen found themselves in a place where they couldn’t do it either. But God will and does with his power, with his spirit working through us, and his love and grace that cover us.  When we are discouraged and have worked all night without any results, God answers and provides.  What God asks of us is reckless abandon to his one purpose.  That is to go his way with him, and to speak of him to others.  Believe it or not our first calling is not to be holy men and women.  That may boggle our minds because we want to be sincere and good, faithful Christians.  No, the primary purpose for God calling us is to be messengers of the best news ever.

As we said earlier this is a simple story, and the reason for its simplicity is the simple reality that Jesus loves.  God loves, and God wants everyone to know of his love that took Jesus to Calvary, and brought him into resurrected life, for new life.  So, our one mission as followers is to lift up Jesus Christ.  The love of God compels us to do this.

Maybe you aren’t standing as the fishermen did with Jesus, but you are back with the crowds being taught by him and deciding if what he says to you is true, is real.  Maybe you aren’t ready to drop your life’s work and follow where Jesus might lead.  Whether you are seeking to understand the why of Jesus, or have come to know him as the One who saves and loves completely, I invite you to join us this week as All Saints’ takes her place in God’s mission here in D.C. and abroad.

At 9 and 11 today Bishop John Ruchayana from Rwanda, will give us the gospel message.  We remember Rwanda best through her history and great tragedy in 1994 with ethnic massacres.  So in response to the growing number of orphaned children because of the Rwandan genocide and in response to the present AIDS epidemic, the babies home in Rwanda has been founded.

Tomorrow night Dr. Mary Segall, Norm and I will talk about the spread of the gospel through the work at Uganda Christian University where pastors, nurses, teachers are being educated to bring the gospel to their people.  The extraordinary thing about UCU is the top -notch education they are receiving without leaving their homeland.  People from all over Africa are coming to be in this Christian environment.

Tuesday night brings us David Treadwell who wants to tell us about the gospel being given and received at Central Union Mission in D.C.  People who are hurting are being given hope, and new possibilities for their lives because of Jesus Christ.

Jean Michel Giraud will join us on Thurs.for a closer look at the happenings in our own backyard with the homeless.  Through outreach, hospitality and free medical care, people are making the gospel story real to rebuild and change lives.

If you can join us for one or all of these presentations we will be delighted. Saturday is a full day conference with speakers from across the country, and I know you will be inspired by the stories they bring, from Pakistan and the forbidden parts of the world, of International Justice being fought for women and children who are held in sexual slavery.  Their rescue brings not only new hope but lives that are grateful to God for his love of them.  The gospel goes another step.  People that are dependent in the impoverished world need hands to help them begin caring for and supporting themselves.  This kind of ministry is the practical side of the gospel that teaches people to fish so they can fish for themselves and others.

I believe God is calling you and me today, whether we are in the crowds listening to his message, or the ones gathering up the fish in the boat. Whether we are seekers or whether we are disciples ready to leave our nets and follow Jesus.  Please come and see for yourselves, and then go and tell what you have seen and heard.   

Amen.