ACTS: A Way to Live

Monday, March 7 ACTS: A Way to Live The Gospel of Luke—Lent 2022 Read Luke 5:1-11 Focus Verses—Luke 5:5-6, 10 Simon answered, “Master, we have worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down my nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break…Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid, from now on you will catch men.” ACTion for Reflection: How to Invite Followers

This chapter begins with a very unproductive night for a group of men who fish for a living. I can imagine frustration in the air. Jesus, who just “happened” to be in the area, gets into Simon’s boat and asks them to pull out a little from the shore where He plans to have a teaching moment. After He was finished, He told Simon to cast the nets into deep water for a catch. Simon, who had just experienced this long work night with no yield, obeyed and let down the nets. He was awestruck at the miracle of this large catch and amazed at Jesus’s greatness.

Isn't it just like Jesus to meet regular people in their very familiar place on just a regular day? These guys KNEW the ins and outs of fishing- that was their job …yet, Jesus, who was not a fisherman, had their nets overly full of fish in an instant. Every element of this scenario adds up to be a powerful display of who Jesus is. Jesus uses this hands on example to demonstrate to Simon he can now go out and catch men for Christ! Just like Simon, we are also called to “let down our nets” in our familiar place and “catch” people for Christ. This doesn't require traveling to a far away place or necessarily doing much out of the ordinary. We have opportunities all around us with family, friends and strangers that cross our paths. Can you recall a time when you or someone you know did some “deep sea” fishing for others with the intention of sharing Christ? How did it feel to know someone new met Jesus and was given the gift of everlasting life? ACTion to Live Out: Fish for People An idea for today is to invite someone who might not know Jesus to Soul Sisters Ministry. Share the website and the Facebook page. Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for teaching us how to live! After we daily reflect on your life-giving words, help us to then, through your Spirit, get up and ACT. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take your good news to the world. What an honor it is to be your image bearer. Amen. Audio of Luke 5: https://youtu.be/CqXlo1HBWow