by Rachael Stelzer
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Read Luke 5:1–11
Peter and his brother and friends had been fishing all night. And they had caught nothing all night. These simple men had not even caught enough fish to feed their families, much less enough to sell to make a profit.
And now this stranger, this itinerant preacher, was telling them to try again on the other side of the boat. It beggared all common sense. What did he know about fishing?
And yet, something about the way he spoke drew Peter in. There was something about him. And Peter figured he had nothing to lose. So, he talked the others into trying again.
And suddenly, they reeled in a catch like they had never seen before. So many fish that they were nearly swamped! They called for reinforcements from the other boat, and both almost sank under the weight of the fish!
And Peter knew without a doubt that something more than an abundant catch was being provided here. Peter recognised the power at work in this man. And his own imperfection. And the fear of God moved him to speak.
‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’
But the stranger did not turn away. Instead, he calmly said, with a twinkle in his eye, ‘Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will be catching people.’
And Peter was hooked from that moment.
Dear Lord, when we recognise the abundance you bring into our lives and communities, we are hooked. May our lives tell the story of your welcome, your leading and your rich love so that others will also be attracted to the abundant life you offer. Amen.
Rachael Stelzer is Primary Head of Faith and Spirituality at Coomera Anglican College near Brisbane. She is a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Rochedale.
Eyes to See 40th Day in Lent (Holy Saturday) Read: Luke 24:13-35 “Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” Luke 24:31-32 (NIV)
I am sure there is such a thing as ‘man eyes’. I looked it up and it is defined as: “a colloquial term for a specific type of inattentiveness, not about male eyesight, but rather for a person unable to find something they are looking for that is in plain sight.” [Reddit] I have heard myself saying when talking to my husband or children who are looking for something, “Are you looking with your man eyes?” I am usually able to find the item that has been searched for quite easily. The disciples saw Jesus die, they saw him taken from the cross and the women saw where Jesus had been buried. They saw all this happen. So, it is only natural that they would say when asked where he was, that he was dead and buried.
Today, we as Christians wait with expectation for the resurrection tomorrow morning. We know the story. But for those who were there, their eyes would tell them that Jesus was dead. He had told them many times, that on the third day he would rise again, but they couldn’t forget what they had seen. Some disciples had left Jerusalem in fear after the crucifixion, thinking that they would be next to die, and were walking to another town called Emmaus. They were talking about what had happened over the last days trying to make sense of it all, when another man came up asking questions. This man listened to their fears and tried to explain what they didn’t see. What they didn’t see, was the hope that what Jesus had said earlier was true.
He revealed some of the mysteries and explained what the eyes cannot see or understand. Finally, Jesus revealed Himself having risen and in bodily form and then He disappeared, but their eyes were opened to the truth. Where are you today? Are you looking at this story with ‘man eyes’? Or have you the eyes to see the risen Saviour? I pray that you can see and experience the love and forgiveness of our loving risen Lord this Easter. May your eyes be opened to see a risen Saviour and the hope He brings.
Prayer: Open my eyes, living Lord Jesus, that I may see and know the love you have for me and all of humankind. Open my heart to others around me to help them understand the hope you bring. Amen.
Eyes to See 40th Day in Lent (Holy Saturday) Read: Luke 24:13-35 “Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” Luke 24:31-32 (NIV)
I am sure there is such a thing as ‘man eyes’. I looked it up and it is defined as: “a colloquial term for a specific type of inattentiveness, not about male eyesight, but rather for a person unable to find something they are looking for that is in plain sight.” [Reddit] I have heard myself saying when talking to my husband or children who are looking for something, “Are you looking with your man eyes?” I am usually able to find the item that has been searched for quite easily. The disciples saw Jesus die, they saw him taken from the cross and the women saw where Jesus had been buried. They saw all this happen. So, it is only natural that they would say when asked where he was, that he was dead and buried.
Today, we as Christians wait with expectation for the resurrection tomorrow morning. We know the story. But for those who were there, their eyes would tell them that Jesus was dead. He had told them many times, that on the third day he would rise again, but they couldn’t forget what they had seen. Some disciples had left Jerusalem in fear after the crucifixion, thinking that they would be next to die, and were walking to another town called Emmaus. They were talking about what had happened over the last days trying to make sense of it all, when another man came up asking questions. This man listened to their fears and tried to explain what they didn’t see. What they didn’t see, was the hope that what Jesus had said earlier was true.
He revealed some of the mysteries and explained what the eyes cannot see or understand. Finally, Jesus revealed Himself having risen and in bodily form and then He disappeared, but their eyes were opened to the truth. Where are you today? Are you looking at this story with ‘man eyes’? Or have you the eyes to see the risen Saviour? I pray that you can see and experience the love and forgiveness of our loving risen Lord this Easter. May your eyes be opened to see a risen Saviour and the hope He brings.
Prayer: Open my eyes, living Lord Jesus, that I may see and know the love you have for me and all of humankind. Open my heart to others around me to help them understand the hope you bring. Amen.
Suffering 39th Day in Lent (Good Friday) Read: 1 Peter 5:6-11 “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
It was around the time of COVID that I suffered horrific pain resulting in the removal of my gall bladder. The sharp pains, the cramping and the restlessness of not being able to get comfortable or be rid of the pain led to deep anxiety and fear. If you haven’t been through this, maybe you have had the experiences of intense pain through an accident, joint replacement, or childbirth. Going through such pain can make you stronger, knowing that God is there helping to restore you to bring you back to health and being able to cope. When I think of what I consider pain and suffering, I am in awe of what our Saviour Jesus went through on the cross, which we remember today.
The intense beating and scourging of his flesh, the nailing, the emotional pain of friends leaving, and the sense of abandonment when His Father left Jesus to suffer and die; I know nothing to compare to this! The fact that Jesus went through all this, not because of any wrongdoing on His behalf, but because of all the wrongdoing on our behalf. In this Bible reading in verse 7, Peter tells us to, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Here we are being reminded that even though we cannot understand this type of suffering, we are to rely on God for strength, because He knows what our suffering is about. Having a Saviour who has experienced deep pain and suffering, can allow us to bring our cares to Him, for He understands.
When sharing personal events and stories with people, we tend to choose someone who understands and will sympathise and empathise with our situation. Support groups for those with illnesses and diseases rely on understanding. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are our support group when troubles and suffering occur. You will be understood and listened to. You will be cared for and given support. Our suffering will only be for a little while, we are assured, for God Himself will restore us and make us strong. Place your hope in the support of a loving Saviour.
Prayer: Our loving Saviour, thank you for being prepared to suffer and die for me. You know and understand my pain and suffering, and you care for me. In you I place my hope and love. Amen.