January 21, 2024 - Third Sunday after Epiphany
"Follow Jesus”
Rev. Scott Landis
If you were with us last Sunday for worship, you may remember I introduced what I am referring to as a two-fold emphasis on discipleship including our sense of call or invitation by Jesus to follow him, and this week our focus on the challenge to act or do something based on that calling. This is where we find ourselves in the gospel narrative as Jesus begins his public ministry by initially calling those who will become his closest allies – and then challenging them to live a life of discipleship.
The calling itself and the disciples’ response is rather astounding. Jesus seems to come out of nowhere. And those invited seem to drop everything and follow. However, we know from this and other gospel accounts that quite a lot preceded this moment.
Jesus had already been baptized by John, spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by Satan, and ultimately cared for by angels who ministered to him. So, what we read today was not his first foray into ministry, but it was an entirely new phase. No longer left to “go it alone,” Jesus now began recruiting those who would assist him in spreading the good news – a message of salvation and of love – what we know of as “the gospel.”
It is highly unlikely these rough-hewn fishermen had any idea what they were getting themselves into. Yet it is very clear that Jesus saw in them unique gifts to do the work he intended. That is where I would like us to focus our attention today. These fishermen were called to engage in a task they were ill-prepared to do. Or were they? To be sure, they were not preachers. I’m sure their language needed a little polish – and perhaps some filters. Neither were they healers or miracle workers, yet Jesus recognized their gifts – ones that would be perfect for discipleship.
What I’d like you to consider today as I use the disciples as a template of sorts, are the gifts that are unique to YOU. Remember, last week I stressed the idea that God calls each one of us – and we are each uniquely gifted to serve – in SOME way. What gifts are unique to you and how might they be used to “follow Jesus?” Let’s begin by considering a bit more closely those Jesus called in our story.
The four mentioned are each fisherman. Used to getting up early and long days of throwing net and hoping for a good catch, these were manly men, tough and strong. They we men of the land – ‘o ke kai we might say to be specific. They were one with the sea. Yet, like farmers, ‘o ka ‘āina they were completely dependent on nature – and a bit of luck – to survive. They understood their element, but they knew they were ultimately not in charge of their destiny. They needed to ocean, the land to bless them with bounty so that they could feed their families and sell what they received. But they could not control that upon which they depended.
I don’t know much about fishing. I’ve done it, but I’m certainly no expert. I have observed fishers frequently on my early morning walks on the beach. My thoughts are based on those observations and hunches on why Jesus might have begun with this group of men.
1. As already noted, fishers are hard workers. The get up early – very early. I suppose some fish at night, but the ones I see are up way before the sun rises. They prepare their nets, their fishing poles, their bait, and the provisions they will need for the day and head to the sea. Preparation is key to their success – and happens long before they begin the task at hand. Then they must carry everything they need to the shore to set up and begin their work. The ones I see in Kīhei come by truck or car, but in Jesus’ day they would walk from their homes with everything on their back OR head out in a boat and row to the perfect spot. Discipleship requires a lot of work, and preparation in order to reach the people who need to hear the good news.
2. Fishers are students of the water – the conditions, the swells, the currents, and the wind. They must read all this to determine the best spot to fish and to ensure their safety. They use their ability to observe so that they don’t get sidetracked or waste their time where their efforts will be fruitless. We might say they know how to “read the room” or in their case, the sea. They can see where there is danger or where there is little chance that their efforts will have limited payoff.
3. Fishers are both patient and persistent. This, I will admit, is where I am lousy at fishing. If you are going to throw net or cast a line, a good fisherman will know that you may have to do it again and again and again – AND – nothing may come of it throughout the entire day, but they will be back again tomorrow. Fishers embody a sense of optimism that their efforts will eventually pay off – that’s where the persistence comes in. A good fisherman never gives up – no matter how many times the net comes back empty or the hook returns with the bait gone. They are willing to take risks and their risks may end in failure, but that does not stop them from risking it all-over again confident that the work will eventually pay off.
4. Fishers celebrate success! One of my greatest pleasures on my morning walks is to hear the little bell ring on the fishing pole and the fisher runs with tremendous exuberance to the line and begins to reel in. The enthusiasm is palpable. I can feel it as I find myself taking deep breaths with the fisher as he or she pulls and reels, pulls and reels – hoping beyond hope the line will not break or the fish will not get away. If and when the fish is caught there is great rejoicing and a bit of bragging as well. The task has been accomplished. As we say here in our pule, “the prayer has gone its way.”
5. Finally, fishermen love what they do. We see that in the persistence. We see that in the joy of success. We see that in the deep satisfaction of being on the beach or in the boat or in taking-story with friends bragging about their conquests or exaggerating over “the one that got away.” They are happy and wouldn’t have it any other way.
You can extrapolate how these gifts apply to your life. It’s pretty easy to see how and why Jesus chose this profession to begin the work of discipleship as he hoped to form new communities of faith. He needed those who would work hard, be sensitive to others’ life situations, exhibit patience and persistence with no judgment in the work at hand, to celebrate success, as well as go about their work in a spirit of deep and abiding joy, as well as humility knowing they are ultimately not in charge.
But what about us? As far as I can tell, the work of discipleship is NOT pau. There is so much yet to do. The shrinking numbers in almost all our churches cry out for a NEW manifestation of discipleship essential for the survival of the church as we know it. It is critical for we who are left today – in the boat – on the shore – in the church – or out in the street – as we participate in the work of discipleship.
Remember the words we sang just moments ago:
O Jesus, you have looked into my eyes,
Kindly smiling, you called out my name.
On the sand I have abandoned my small boat;
Now with you I will seek other seas.
What gifts are unique to your life? What have you learned or what skills are innate that God can use to share the Good News of a loving Savior that wants nothing more than all to find a spiritual home where they belong? What other seas might Jesus be calling you toward today?
It’s worth thinking about – both the invitation and the challenge to serve. May you be blessed as you seek other seas.
Amen.