Luke 5
Sometimes we need to just set out from the shore. In Luke 5 (again, reading for advent) Jesus sees crowds of people. Because all things were created through him (John Chapter 1), I don’t think he was avoiding people. Jesus wanted to position Himself to be as useful as possible in the moment. Have you ever repositioned yourself to serve God’s purposes even better? That is why I am in a Baltimore airport, heading home after three months. I know it is time now to plan for family, Christmas, and the familiar. Luke 5:5, as Jesus asks Simon Peter to launch out “into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (notice that Jesus shows the purpose for his request), Simon Peter presents his objections then concludes, “never the less at YOUR word I will let dow the net”. This is another fine example of obedience that can change everything. Jesus knew he was teachable and a follower and there was a great benefit to Simon Peter. By verse 7, they shared that bounty with their partners. Simon Peter seems frightened at the contrast of his humans to Jesus’ holiness and surrenders to a career change. I have changed careers too many times. I planned to be a science teacher and did enjoy it except for the overabundance of teachers versus jobs in California at the time. I always had a job but different schools and assignments. I needed a back up. It made sense to use my biochemistry degree in a lab. I was also happy as a research/development chemist. Labs make me happy but are not as people centered as the gifts God put in me. Four years later I have a husband (wish that had worked better) and a plan for wonderful children (the best blessing of my life) so quit the dangerous work. From there I had two beautiful babies and alternated real estate with teaching – real estate being the more lucrative and flexible. Simon Peter changed fishing to, “from now on you will catch men”. He forsook all. Have you ever ‘forsaken all’? I know I have made some sacrifices but never all. This reminds me of the pearl of great price. Had I been one of those fishermen I don’t think Jesus would have picked me – yet. In Luke 6 Jesus next heals a pile of people which irritates the pharisees. I never get this. When you see a miracle (something outside of the usual), or suspect God has intervened, I think amazement and awe fit the moment better than irritation. What did these complainers have to lose? No wonder Jesus often withdrew into the wilderness after these disappointing encounters. Verse 26 offers the usual response to Jesus. The healing of the paralytic, who came down through the tiles, is one of my favorites. This encounter reminds me that we will all die but Jesus can offer a reprieve for a season. Today I am asking for healing for Ryan. Verse 30 goes back to descent. Lastly, old is better in verse Luke 5:38… “The old is good”, and by this time we should be able to change for the better, no matter our history. Welcome home, Pam.
