Wash your nets: transforming your day job into your life’s work
18/06/2023 - Matthew Destry
On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.’ And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’ And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.”
Luke 5:1-11 ESV
Background: the family business
For the disciple of Jesus, people are the priority…
1/ The work is slow
2/ The work is not guaranteed (people can be faulty)
3/ The work is unseen
Neighbourhood Principle: Sustainability
Wash your nets: transforming your day job into your life’s work
The calling is everything:
Questions: How has God called you to a specific purpose or mission in your life? Reflect on the moments or encounters that led you to where you are today. How has God’s calling transformed your perspective and priorities?
Your story is crucial:
Questions: Consider the people who have been influential in your faith journey. How have their personal witness and testimony impacted your own commitment to following Jesus? How can you be a witness for Christ in your own circles of influence?
Provision is God’s pleasure:
Questions: Reflect on moments when God has provided abundantly in your life, whether in material blessings, Biblical insight, or emotional support. How have these experiences shaped your understanding of God’s faithfulness and provision? How can you trust God’s provision even in times of scarcity or uncertainty?
Your journey of transformation:
Questions: How has encountering Jesus led to a transformative change in your life? How did it reshape your values, priorities, or relationships? In what ways has the transformative power of Jesus impacted your journey of discipleship?
Going together:
Questions: Consider the role of community in your spiritual growth and the impact of collective discipleship. How has being part of a faith community shaped your understanding of the Kingdom of God? How can you contribute to fostering a supportive and transformative community for others?