But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”
Luke 5:8–10, ESV
After a long day of work, it can be hard to be faithful to the calling of our Lord. Like Simon Peter, we hear that tired plea but also his obedience. May we be obedient in our living and our faith walk and not turn away from the calling of our Lord. As Simon Peter, let us realize the sinfulness that is in our hearts and feel your comforting hand come upon us as we remember the promise our Lord gave to Peter, James, and John that we would be “fishers of men.” Our calling is to be out in the world proclaiming our faith in Jesus Christ in all aspects of who we are. None of us are worthy of this calling, but it is Christ who calls us and prepares us for this work. Just like the great abundance of fish that were caught when they were obedient to our Lord’s request, the same will come when we are obedient to our Lord’s calling in our lives. We know that it is not as simple as it would seem. One needs only read the Gospels to see the failures of those that walked with Jesus. In this, we can find hope. God offers us opportunities to try and try again. We are often reminded in Scripture not to give up and not to lose hope. The disciples were reminded of this great miracle after the resurrection of our Lord, and we are in constant need of reminders and encouragement. For this reason, we are reminded of our need not to give up meeting with other followers of Christ regularly in worship and in prayer. When we come together, we can find hope in the words, “Do not be afraid,” and be reminded of the promise of forgiveness and new life that stands for all of us who believe and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him, we can find our peace.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.