Musical Prelude and Service.

Luke 5:1-11
How many people here have muttered at least once in their lives, “not me God and not now”?
And quite possibly added, “I am not the right person for this time and this challenge. There must be several more people better equipped for this”?
One of the great mysteries and sources of reflection and conversation amongst many different traditions of Christianity is the notion of the elect. In some circles, the idea of the elect is that there are only some who God has chosen to enter heaven, and that it has been predetermined. There is nothing we can do. As you can imagine that idea is not popular in other circles. In fact, it makes the use of the word elect or election itself unpopular in many theological conversations. However, I have also heard and seen the term elect used to refer to those who have ben chosen by God, or Jesus for specific tasks. That God sees something in us and chooses us to take on tasks that we may not see ourselves as equipped for or worthy of taking on.
I once heard a lecture by professor and theologian Wil Willimon discussing this notion of the elect. He spoke of the experience of feeling like he could see Jesus walking among his congregation actually tapping people on the head to take on particular tasks. Whether or not he felt they were the most appropriate candidates for those responsibilities, he was not part of that particular decision-making process.
In today’s scripture, Jesus comes to a lakeshore and sees Peter and Andrew, James and John, and other fishermen washing their nets after a futile night of fishing. Jesus calls on them to put out a ways from shore so Jesus can teach the crowds while creating a little bit of distance. This son of a carpenter then decides to offer some fishing instruction to the professional fishermen.
Of course, in this case it results in an abundance of fish.
So, here’s the thing: Simon, James John, Andrew; they are fishermen. They know what they know. They know what they have to offer. They do not see themselves as students and trainees for a rabbi starting a new movement. Simon/Peter calls himself a sinner; not worthy to be in Jesus’s presence.
But Jesus sees things differently. Jessus sees something in these men that they do not see in themselves.
I wonder how often these brave hard-working fishermen had heard or experienced the society they grew up in describe them in belittling terms. Or language that truly limited their capabilities. Just a fisherman. A common labourer.
But Jesus sees something else in these men. He sees their loyalty, their courage, their persistence, and ability to survive difficult environments. Perhaps he sees their ability to communicate with those who live outside corridors of power. That they can recognize and appreciate the fears and the anxieties so many like them would share.
We can only speculate on these points. But this remains: Jesus sees them as a crucial part of his mission and his movement. He sees them as who he needs to draw more people to him and the people needed to carry on his teaching when he is gone.
There are times when we find ourselves facing new challenges. When we find ourselves confronted with difficult circumstances and wondering if we have the skill or the time or the experience to meet the times in front of us.
We might find ourselves looking around wondering who is actually going to step forward or raise their hand.
And maybe, just maybe it is you. Based on my own experience, I have no doubt that there is a very good chance you are ready to say no. I’m not ready. I am the last person who should do this. Depending upon the circumstances, fear might enter into the equation.
But, as Jesus tells these fishermen, “Do not be afraid.”
The same words the angel told Mary. Words that have been spoken to so many approached by God or those guided by God. “Do not be afraid.”
I know that considering the meeting we are going into after worship, it is easy to think I am talking about volunteering for so may different responsibilities this community of faith may have, but this goes further.
We live in tumultuous times. It’s not just about tariffs and elections. We face questions and challenges to what kind of society we will be.
How generous, how compassionate, how merciful?
How much will we value diversity and equity?
These have suddenly become questions that could be put before us again.
The United Church of Canada has faced criticism in the past for some of its decision and positions. I’ve noted this in recent sermons. There are indications those positions could be up for scrutiny once again by others in our community. How prepared are we to uphold our values on matters of inclusivity, on diversity and equity? On choice?
I have hoped that many of these were settled matters, but that is not necessarily the case.
How strongly do we hold to these principles? If challenged; are we ready to answer those questions and follow our teacher, our leader, our guide? Are we ready to put aside our fear and leave our nets and walk with Jesus into the challenges before us? I hope I am wrong. Fear and anger that is taking hold in so many places. I hope the move to divisiveness and scapegoating that is taking hold elsewhere misses our community. But if it doesn’t, we could be faced with choices to be made.
I also know that God sees more in us than we often see in ourselves. God recognizes our unseen strengths and how our lives have prepared us in remarkable ways for new challenges and new adventures that we could never imagine.
Fear not! God knows us and sees us, hears us and chooses us. Thanks be to God.
Rev. Warner Bloomfield

Music provided with permission through licensing with CCLI License number
2701258 and One License # A-731789