Getting in Deep Water

by Pastor Kathy Barlow-Westmoreland

This week's focus scripture is Luke 5:1-11.

It had been a long night and none of them had anything to show for it. The fish just weren’t out there. As Simon stood on the shore, washing out his nets a man comes up and touches him on the shoulder- “Would you mind putting your boat out to shore a bit, so that I can sit in it and teach the people?” Simon turns around to see a large crowd, looking eager to hear whatever it was this man had to say. So, Simon, takes him out a bit from the shore and this man continues his teaching. Simon listens and realizes that he is teaching them about the Holy Writings, the Word of God. Looking out at the people he sees how attentive they are.

The man finishes and Simon prepares to bring the boat back in to shore. But the man, says to him, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Did the man not see his empty nets? Did he not know that the best fishing is at night? What did he know about fishing? Now Simon was not well educated, but he knew the ways of the world, he knew what hard work was, he knew about the uncertainties of life, the need for patience. He understood more about fishing than most as it had been a part of his life since birth. He knew the lake as well as any fisherman. He knew how the fish moved and swam. He knew this life on the edge- it wasn’t for everyone, and yet he didn’t know any other life. He knew the fish here better than he knew many of his neighbors. And what did this man know? And yet…

Master, Simon says, we were hard at work all night and did not catch a thing. But if you say so, I will let down the nets. So, weary as he was, and as sure as he was that this was a futile trip, Simon set out for the deep water. Of course, we now know what happened- a haul of fish so huge it took two boats to bring it all in.

What it took was a willingness to go to the deep water. The deep water is a risk. It is where the visibility is next to nothing. It takes a focus of heart and mind to go where there is such uncertainty about outcome. The shallow water is so pleasant- it tickles our ankles. We can see to the bottom, so you know all that is there- it is where the minnows and half grown fish gather. The shallow water is easy, and takes no courage. It is tempting to simply stay in the shallows where it all seems clear- but the fish are not keepers there- there is not enough in the shallows to sustain and nourish. No, one must go deep.

To go deep, Simon had to relinquish control. Even though he knew fishing as well as anyone. Even though he was sure of the outcome, he let all that go and took a chance by going to the deep water. He was tired and frustrated from a night without a catch. That was real for him- to go to the deep water- that was more uncertainty. Perhaps he was just humoring the Teacher. Perhaps it was his adventurous spirit, so necessary for every fisherman, that spirit that allows you to entertain the possibility of a catch even when it is not a probability. And yet he went. He was not expecting a catch nor was he prepared for the catch he hauled into the boats. But his willingness to follow Jesus made all the difference. It started by letting go of what he thought he knew, for the possibility of the impossible. That is stepping out in faith.
Simon knew now, what he had suspected earlier- this man was a man of God, too good to be in the boat with this fisherman who had fish scales clinging to his clothes, mud under his nails and the smell of fish all around him. He was nothing compared to this man. He was almost in fear to be in the presence of such holiness- the boat rocked from his trembling.

I must admit, I have always had a romanticized view of the fishermen whom Jesus called that day. I see them in long flowing robes (something highly impractical for fishing), with well trimmed beards and flowing locks of hair. You know, the Sunday school pictures, where they look like they just took a shower and the fish are washed and clean as well. The reality is, the smell of a fishing boat- well, let’s just say it is strong. And as one who has fished since I was five years old, it is a dirty smelly activity. These were hardworking men, but they weren’t the stars of the community. They were just ordinary working folk- trying to make a better life for themselves and their family.

They were folks just like us. They worried about their children, they hated that they were gone at night and slept during the day. They felt a pride in what they knew and the work they did, but also knew that there were folks smarter, richer, more well dressed, with better manners. And in the face of the holy, with the fish flapping all around them, they trembled because of their unworthiness.

We can connect with that in so many ways. How many times are we led to go to the deep water, to let go of all that I know and go where it is dark and there is little visible of what lies ahead? How often are we tempted to just stay where it is safe, in the shallow water, where little is asked of us, where we can see clearly to the bottom, but where none of it really feeds or nourishes us? We stick with the same old answers, even if they no longer address the struggles and questions we have now?

And yet, when we do dare to go to the deep water, to drop our nets, to leave behind what we know for what might be, we are not alone. Jesus is right there in the boat- he doesn’t send us off to the deep water while he stands safely on the shore.

What does it mean for us to go into the deep water? Think of the people of Haiti- already an impoverished people in terms of worldly resources, they must go to deep water to make sense of what has happened, to find hope for tomorrow. Think of the person who has lost their job- they must go to the deep water to find courage and confidence to move forward. Think of the mother or father who has lost a child- they must row out to the deep water, to where it is dark and you cannot see far, to find comfort and strength each day. And each one who does, will find themselves in the presence of the holy. No easy answers, but an overwhelming sense of being blessed and loved.

Jesus’ response to Simon is crucial for us. In the face of this holiness, while he is rocking the boat as he goes to his knees and trembles, Jesus says to him the words that he says so often- “Do not be afraid.” Fear keeps us in the shallow water. Fear actually keeps us on the shore. Fear keeps us from looking for God in unexpected places. Fear paralyzes. Jesus knows what fear will do – it will make us accept inadequate answers, shallow answers if you will, when we want more.

When Simon asks him to leave because he is not worthy to be in his presence, Jesus not only does not leave, but calls Simon to come and follow him. His calling now, is not to draw fish into the shore, but to draw people close to God. And that will mean, as we find through Jesus’ travels and ministry, regular trips to the deep water. They will, time and time again, be where they cannot see or understand, where they will find themselves in the presence of the holy, and where their adventurous, fisherman spirit will be stretched beyond what any of them would have imagined.

But that is both the challenge and the hope for us. A challenge because it means we have to let go of what we think we know is best and allow ourselves to be led. And most of us like to think we know what would make us happy and fulfilled and what would make all right with the world. But just like Simon, we are called to let that go and start rowing. The hope is what we will find in the deep water- a deeper understanding of who God is and how God works in the world, a new revealing of God’s holy presence in our lives, an unexpected blessing that strengthens and renews us. And who knows what else?

You think you know fishing? You think you know what would make your life better? Well…just get into the boat, and go wherever Jesus tells you to go. Amen.

St. John's Westminster Union Church
1085 Neeb Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45233
(513) 347-4613