Going Together

This week we have been reflecting on the story of Jesus calling Simon, James and John in Luke 5:1-11.

We’ve learned that God shows up in ordinary places and makes them extraordinary.

We’ve learned that being confronted by God’s holiness puts our life into a proper perspective.

Today we have one more thing to learn: We aren’t called to go alone.

Read Luke 5:1-11 one more time.

The bulk of the story focuses on Simon. It would be easy to think that this is one man’s calling story.

Look closer.

How many boats were there on the shore? There were two. Commercial fishermen used two boats to fish. They would take large nets and span them between two boats and drag them through the water. They fished at night so the fish wouldn’t see the nets.

Maybe this was the original dragnet.

When Jesus told Simon to go back out into the water, Simon had to take others with him. He couldn’t do it alone. When the number of fish became so great Simon had to call even more people to help him bring in the catch.

Read verses 9-11 again. All of them who were there were amazed at what Jesus had just done. The large group included Simon, James and John, but there were others.

Jesus said to ALL of them, “from now on you will be catching people.”

Then verse 11 says, “When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. ” Apparently they ALL left everything and followed Jesus.

Here’s something to ponder. Jesus did not do his mission all by himself. He called people to follow him and join him. He trained them and showed them what God’s Kingdom looks like on earth as it is in Heaven.

Later on in the story, Jesus sent his disciples ahead of him into all the villages. They always traveled in groups of two. They never went alone.

They. Never. Went. Alone.

Who are your traveling partners in mission today? This is one of the main reasons the church exists. We are not supposed to do the spiritual journey alone.

God is calling Easter Lutheran Church to carry on the work of Jesus Christ. The term “Easter Lutheran Church” does not refer to a building. It does not refer to non-profit 502c3 Corporation.

It is a group of people. It is you and me.

WE are called to carry on Jesus’ mission TOGETHER.

Gracious God, help us to remember that we are not alone. We have each other and you go with us to be your hands and feet in this world. Give us courage and wisdom to grow in faith and carry on your work today.