The ones that got left behind
by Colleen Fitzpatrick
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So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him (Luke 5:11).
Read Luke 5:1–11
Ah! Those legendary fishing tales in which the fish that got away grows and grows to an extraordinary length and weight! Wouldn’t Simon have had a tale to tell about the ones that didn’t get away? Not only were the nets full to breaking point, but the boats were so full of fish that they were in danger of sinking. There were so many fish that help was needed to deal with this extraordinary catch.
The way that this passage reads, Simon and his partners, James and John, left the lot behind on the beach and set off to follow Jesus. An amazing catch of fish, and they just abandoned it. Wow! They just left everything behind to follow Jesus.
We seem to be living in a material age in which the rich get increasingly richer and the poor get poorer. Where I live, houses are being knocked down, gardens demolished, and larger houses built. I can’t really imagine what fills the space in the mansions that are starting to surround us.
We hear of people struggling to find affordable housing, running out of money to put food on the table, wages not being adequate to meet everyday needs, and price gouging that leaves primary producers unable to make ends meet. We also hear of people who are being paid eye-watering amounts of money – millions of dollars – for just doing their job.
I wonder what that amazing catch of fish was worth in today’s money? We have no way of knowing, and I guess it really doesn’t matter. The important thing is that the fishermen just walked away to go with Jesus. What have you given up in your journey with God? Are you part of Jesus’ crew and fishing for people?
A final thought: a fishing net does not just catch good and edible fish. Rather, it indiscriminately scoops up all fish in its path. Does this have implications for you and me?
Dear Jesus, Thank you for those who have nurtured us in our faith. Help us to be brave enough to share that faith with others and to open up opportunities for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of our friends and family. Amen.
Colleen has one husband, two daughters, three granddaughters and a wide range of extended family and friends. She lives in Adelaide and loves the way the various parts of her life intersect. Colleen is involved in numerous committees within the church and community. She loves to read. Colleen coordinates her congregation’s prayer group and is delighted to respond to requests for prayer from friends and family.
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