Gone Fishing
Scripture References
Acts 9:1-22
The Conversion of Saul
1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.
Revelation 5:1-14
The Scroll and the Lamb
1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 4 and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5 And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” 6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” 14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
John 21:1-19
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1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards[1] off. 9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Gone Fishing
I have a question for you avid fishermen out there. If you put a sticky note on the door when you leave the house that says “Gone Fishing,” are you expected to return empty handed or bring home a bountiful catch? Maybe it’s just a chance to get away to create a good fish story. Regardless of what you do, when you are gone fishing, you are off someplace to spend time disturbing water. Truth to be told, I don’t know anything about fishing. But I can surmise one can possess the expert skills of a seasoned fly fisherman, to a contrast of someone like me, who would simply cast the line just to watch it get wet.
That is why it is safe to say, if I would ever put a sticky note on the door that says “gone fishin,” those who read it would know that I am just… gone.
With another significant holiday behind us, I wonder if that is how the world is considering Easter… gone. Retail and the secular society have moved on to the next calendar event. As Christians, on this third Sunday of Easter, we should not see it that way. Today our readings amplify the resurrection theme as we assess what it means to live in the Kingdom of our risen Lord and Savior.
At the same time, we will find out how that coincides with Peter’s sticky note which reads… you might have guessed… gone fishing.
Fishers of Men
In fact, if we turn back a few chapters in the book of John, that is what Peter, James, and John were doing three years prior to this day’s Gospel. This is where we will find how they were called to follow Jesus and become… fishers of men. Same lake, maybe the same boat. When Jesus told these men that they would become fishers of men, He was casting the net to capture followers who would become His disciples. But this setting is under different circumstances.
Back then, Peter wanted Jesus to go away because of his own sinfulness. It wasn’t until the moment we are going to review in today’s Gospel, that Peter’s net would be filled with a change of heart. That is where I would like to cast the line.
In our reading in John 21 this morning, we learn that Peter puts his “gone fishing” note on the upper room door. Several of the other disciples decide that is a good idea and go with him. The reason for their collective decision to go fishing remains unknown, but there they are, together in a boat on the Sea of Galilee in the middle of the night. They no doubt had a lot on their mind. If you think about it, I’m sure the prior several days have been quite stressful for them since Jesus’ resurrection. Maybe they needed to chill out. Either that or they just needed to get back into the swing of their trade again. Regardless, they couldn’t catch anything all night.
Just as the sun was coming up, a voice from the shore urges them to cast their net on the other side. That is what they do, and the catch is remarkable. John immediately makes the connection. He declares… “It is our Lord!”
Conversion of Peter and Paul
Peter’s reaction is where I would like to direct your attention. Here is a man who has faithfully followed Jesus and truly believes He is the Christ. Yet during his walk with Him months before, Peter questioned his faith when walking towards Jesus on the water and sank. It was Peter who didn’t even think Jesus should go to the cross, then cut the ear off a soldier when Jesus was arrested. And it was Peter, who swore he would never deny Jesus, but there he was in a crowded courtroom, three times denying he even knew Him.
All these things would surely flash across Peter’s mind when he sees Jesus on the shoreline. He hastily jumps out of the boat, swims to shore, and gives Jesus a warm… and wet embrace. This time when Jesus asks “Peter if you love me feed my lambs… If you love me, tend My sheep… If you really love me, Suffer for Me… Follow Me.” Peter repeatedly told Jeus, “Yes lord, you know that I love you…” It was this moment that the words “gone fishin” took on a whole new meaning. Peter was so spiritually motivated… he single handedly went back to the boat and carried the net full of fish to shore that took several men to lift moments before. And it was that instant God filled Peters spiritual net that energized him to carry the cross for Christs mission to the world.
The same thing happened to Paul as we learned from our first reading in Acts 9. Here we have a man who would have been among those shouting “crucify him…” That is if he would have been in Jerusalem that historic Good Friday. This is evident because that was his mentality earlier in Acts when he approved of Steven’s stoning. His “bad boy” mentality preceded him wherever he went. His mission was to rid the world of those who called themselves Christian.
Then Paul wonders why he didn’t just go fishing when he finds himself lying on the road to Damascus, trying to find out who knocked him off his horse. Jesus asks him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Here, a very powerful man was rendered helpless. Paul was given a taste of his own medicine, and a lot to think about over the next three days. Blinded and without anything to eat or drink. The Lord then summoned Ananias to lay his hands on him so he could regain his sight. Ananias was reluctant, for he knew who Paul was…. He too would have rather been gone fishing. God blinded Paul so he could see clearly, and yes, he become a changed man.
As you know, the rest is history as Peter and Paul then devoted the rest of their lives casting nets and gathering fishers of men. This they faithfully did up to their last breath. One might pause to think. What does this gathering of nets look like in today’s world while living in the kingdom of our risen Lord?
Have You “Jumped In The Water?”
When I think about the conversion that took place in the hearts of Peter and Paul, it reminds me of a question I have heard many times over. “When did you first accept Christ?” This question used to bother me because to me it sounds like there is a decision I must make to love God before He will love me… when the truth is… God loved me before I even existed. At any rate, to avoid a messy debate, I think of it in terms of being asked this instead… “when did you jump in the water with your clothes on and swim to Jesus?” Or “when did the scales come off your eyes so you could see clearly?”
In that sense, I have heard many stories including my own that can identify a time when this did indeed happen. In fact, there are several people I know, including Pastors, that can relate to that moment, which led to enhanced service for Christ… that aha moment if you will, that boosted a life changing relationship with Jesus.
If you have had one of these moments, you know what I am talking about. Like Peter, it gives a whole new meaning to that “gone fishin” sign. One that truly defines “follow me.” If you cannot recall one of these moments, that’s ok. Remember, there were a lot of other disciples that stayed in the boat. John was one of them.
Cast Your Net
Either way, we must ask those still in the boat and even those who already jumped out… Which side of the boat is your net cast? Have you tried the other side?
These questions are asked on this third Sunday of Easter for a reason. I know if I would announce our risen Lord, you would all reply that He has risen indeed. But why does it seem like now that Easter is past, I would rather be gone fishing?
We spent the Lenten season focused on the hands of our Lord, now it is time for us to “arise.” Have we not been sitting on our hands long enough? He is risen and we are risen in Him. Now is the time to rise above desires, aspirations, and the pursuit of self-serving fish stories. Why would we even think about denying our Lord of praise for what He died for? Like Peter, I have denied Christ with my lifestyle. Like Saul, I have been known to intentionally harm the body of Christ with my words or actions.
If you recall in the Gospel lesson, the disciples ate another meal with the risen Lord on the beach that morning. Do we truly think about His presence when we dine in remembrance of Him? Jesus is calling to us from the shore. He is calling us to be citizens of the resurrection kingdom of second chances. A kingdom in which the lost is found. A kingdom where the losers are picked up from the mat of life and given a spot on the track team. Jesus is standing on the shore and has come to turn your life around. Will He take hard and difficult actions…? Or simply stand on the shore and bid you to jump into the lake?
Good News
The good news is… like was shown through Peter and Paul, no matter what we have done in the past, God forgives and repurposes. All because… His love for each one of us. By what He accomplished when He sent His Son to the cross. A victory for God and all His people.
John uses imagery in the second reading of Revelation which gives us a clue to what the victory in Christs resurrection looks like.
John is comforted to see the Lion of Judah, our resurrected Lord and Savior, take a place on the right hand of God. The sins of John, Peter and Paul and you and me are no longer sealing up the book. Our sins are forgiven. The victory is won by Christ, the lamb who was slain and rose again. A victory that is shared with all the people of God which grows to include every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, even to any modern-day thief on the cross. It is the victory that determines every Christians life on earth. And it is the victory which guarantees life forever with God.
My friends, the kingdom of believers who will be singing God’s praises is growing. They are all there singing praises of the Lamb who was slain… who has begun His reign.
The Mighty Catch
Has our risen Lord gone fishin. You better believe it. He is right there by our side and has reeled in a mighty catch of faithful servants. That is why He calls for us to raise our hands and voices. That is how we shall live in the Kingdom of our risen Lord and Savior. For this is the feast of the victory of our Lord. Does that song sound familiar?
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain whose blood set us free to be people of God. All power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, blessings, and glory are His. This is the feast of the victory of our God.
Singing the joy of this feast is how we are to live in the kingdom of our risen Lord until He comes back. My friends, that is the joy found in our bountiful catch. That is why Jesus rose from the dead, so you can dine with Him and enjoy His presence in your life. That is worth jumping out of the boat and swimming to shore. That is what we will see when the scales depart from our eyes. That is what we will sing when we walk out these doors… leaving behind our sticky note that says, “gone fishing.”
All because… we know… God will fill our nets…
Alleluia, and Alleluia,
And All God’s People said… Amen