The Miraculous Fishing. Giuseppe Cominetti. 1922
“Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,
‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’
Simon answered,
‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’
When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying,
‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’
For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon,
‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’
When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.” ~Luke 5:1-11
‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’
Simon answered,
‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’
When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying,
‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’
For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon,
‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’
When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.” ~Luke 5:1-11
There can be astonishing revelation in obedience. The further we take our steps of faith – the more God’s plans are revealed to us. It began with Peter simply providing his boat to Jesus so he could preach. The story ends with the revelation of who Jesus is (Master) and his mission was more than to give a sermon – it was to call Peter (James and John) to a new life.
This Sunday the Rev. Dr. Paul Kern will elaborate on this theme. Thank you again to Paul for leading our worship so often this past year. We are grateful for his words and presence with us.
Thanks also to Paul Payne and Dave Stewart for contributing to our worship this week.
Organ preludes will begin around 10:25 a.m. and the service will commence at 10:30 a.m. This is the link for this morning’s service is: https://youtube.com/live/GF8ffo-h_dk?feature=share
Previous services can be found on the St. Andrew’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/StAndrewsPresbyterianChurchKingston
Have a look at the Order of Service, scripture readings, hymn lyrics and announcements below – this electronic form includes hyperlinks for easy connection, but you can print the pages if you wish for reference as the hour unfolds, or even through the week. We invite you to join in worship, study and service as you are able.