Fishing usually brings out feelings of relaxation, not fear. Maybe you have a day off or it’s the weekend. There’s the soothing rhythm of casting over and over. And if anything bites, maybe the reward of sitting down to a fresh-caught meal and great conversation with friends.
Some fishing is extreme and dangerous. There are fishermen who spend days and weeks sailing through icy seas with little sleep. I just heard about a small group on the East Coast that wades out at night in stormy, shark-filled waters to catch the largest of the striped bass. Not for the faint of heart!
One of Jesus’ early acts was the miraculous catch of fish. But that miracle was really just . . . . the lead-up to a bigger call to “go fishing.” The first disciples, Peter, James, and John, were told they would now “fish for people” (Luke 5:10-11). Peter was filled with fear and awe right before that call: “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8). He wasn’t scared to be a fisherman. That was his job. But he was afraid to be in the presence of a holy and powerful God.
God doesn’t just go about ministry by himself. He calls sinful people. That can be intimidating to any of us. Why me? Why would I be the one to serve or lead God’s people or share the precious and mighty gospel of Jesus Christ? Fear can be a big hindrance in our personal work for the Lord.
Jesus says to Simon, “Don’t be afraid.” He has redeemed us on the cross. We are fully and completely washed of all sin through faith in him. We can do ministry without the fear that we’re not the right person for the job. God makes us all as believers the right ones to go fishing for people!
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. (Luke 5:10-11)