We always like to think that we know things. Peter, the fisherman, along with his colleagues, assumed that they knew the best spots and the best time to fill their nets. And they did, so far as their reasoning could take them. What they knew wasn’t wrong. God had blessed them with the opportunity to learn a great deal about catching fish and they had thus far used that knowledge to provide for their families. The problem is that they imagined there was nothing to know beyond their expertise and skill sets, beyond their knowledge of the sea and its marine inhabitants. That’s why Jesus’ words sound rather silly. Not only was Jesus not a seasoned fisherman but the advice He was giving was foolish to anyone who knew anything about fishing. But, like Peter, we need to learn more about Jesus. He is not just a wise teacher or miracle worker or philosopher or even prophet. He is the Lord God Almighty who created the sea, the fish, the earth, and the stars. He is the One whose all-powerful right hand holds everything together and keeps the heavenly beings moving in their courses. It was the simple word from His mouth that called forth everything that is from utter nothingness. His wisdom is beyond our understanding. His thoughts are not our thoughts. They are infinitely higher. Only a fool would imagine that he could think God’s thoughts. Before this God all should tremble and fall in terror with Peter because in our great arrogance and pride we have acted as though we created Him and as though we are not beholden to His Word and will. And to all, like the fisherman on the Sea of Galilee, who confess their sin and unworthiness, this same Lord reaches out and says “Do not fear. Though you have sinned against Me, I have come to save you – to forgive you and rescue you from your death.” Who could have ever imagined that God would have done such a great thing for us? So let us kneel before this Jesus, confessing our sins and receiving the great kindness of His mercy and pardon. I look forward to seeing all of you this coming Lord’s Day.
Pastor Ulmer