Scripture Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8 and Luke 5:1-11
In today’s Scripture readings, both Isaiah and Peter had significant encounters with God – one in the temple, the other on a boat – and were never the same afterward.
In Isaiah 6, God called His prophet to confront a faithless king, proclaiming both judgment for the present and hope for the future. Isaiah was entrusted with a dual message, words of warning and words of promise. He was called to persevere and endure, even when the circumstances seemed dark and hopeless. Through faith, we are granted light and hope, even during life’s darkest moments.
Isaiah encounters God’s holiness and sees the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted. The seraphim proclaim, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah had a vision of the Lord, revealing His unmatched majesty and sovereignty. The temple trembled, and the entire space was filled with smoke, creating a profound sense of awe and reverence. Let us Imagine standing in the presence of God’s glory and being overwhelmed by His holiness.
Isaiah cried out, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips.” He became aware of his sinfulness in the presence of a holy God.
A true encounter with God brings a profound awareness of our own sinfulness. In Isaiah’s vision, a seraph touched his lips with a burning coal, symbolizing purification. Every moment within that temple was decisive and life-changing for Isaiah. God’s grace not only redeems us but also prepares us for service.
In verse 8, God asks, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
Isaiah responds willingly: “Here I am. Send me!” He didn’t ask about the details – he simply made himself available. A call to mission requires both a purified heart and a willing spirit. Are we willing to say, “Here I am, send me” when God calls us to serve? God calls us not because we are perfect but because He equips us. God calls us to be a part of His mission.
In Luke 5: 1-11, Jesus teaches the crowd from Simon Peter’s boat. After a fruitless night of fishing, Peter encounters something new when Jesus instructs him to “Put out into deep water and let down the nets for a catch.” God often meets us unexpectedly; in worship, daily work, or moments of frustration, inviting us to see Him in new ways.
Though doubtful, Peter obeys: “Because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Faith requires obedience, even when it defies logic. Sometimes, God calls us to deeper waters of faith, beyond our comfort zones. Like Peter, we must let go of our fixed ideas and obey His Word.
When Peter followed Jesus’ command, the catch was so abundant that the nets began to break. This overflow shows God’s abundance. Our obedience to God not only brings blessings to our lives but enriches our community and the world.
Faith often requires stepping beyond our understanding and comfort. The miracle shows that God’s power is at work when we trust Him fully. Imagine being a tired, exhausted fisherman after a long night with empty nets, only to witness a miraculous catch beyond your expectations. In this moment, we encounter the Lord, who approaches Peter in his weariness and despair.
Peter, after witnessing the miraculous catch, fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” Just like this verse, a genuine encounter with God leads to humility and repentance. For Peter, Jesus didn’t push him away; instead, He reassured him: “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” Jesus didn’t focus on Peter’s past failures – He gave him a new purpose.
Peter and the disciples left their nets to surrender fully to Christ’s call. When Jesus calls us, will we respond with faith and obedience? Will we step into the deep waters of trust, even when it’s uncertain? Will we say, “Here I am, send me”?
When we encounter God’s greatness, we realize how small and sinful we are. We may feel like we don’t deserve to be in His presence or to be used by Him. But God’s response is not to reject us – it is to transform us. God doesn’t call us because we are perfect. He calls us, cleanses us, and equips us for His work.
When confronted with God’s holiness and power, both Isaiah and Peter had the same response: “I am not worthy.”They realized their unworthiness before God and had powerful encounters with God that changed everything. Isaiah encounters God in a vision; Peter encounters Jesus through a miracle. Isaiah’s lips are cleansed; Peter is reassured and called to “fish for people.”
Instead of rejecting them, God called them into greater service. He calls ordinary people to extraordinary missions. Isaiah and Peter both received God’s grace, which prepared them for their mission. We need God’s grace before we can serve Him faithfully, too.
These two stories show us what happens when God calls: We are also confronted with His holiness, we recognize our unworthiness, we receive His grace, and we are sent on His mission. Everyone is not perfect, but God uses imperfect people. He doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. If we feel inadequate, let us remember: God’s grace is sufficient.
Both Isaiah and Peter had life-changing encounters with God, felt unworthy, received grace, and answered the call. What is God calling us to do? Maybe it’s serving in ministry, reaching out to someone in need, or stepping into a deeper relationship with Him. May we be people who answer God’s call with faith and courage, trusting that He will lead us into greater things for His glory.
God meets us in unexpected places – whether in a vision or prayer, a worship or sermon, our daily work or service, or even in sufferings or struggles. After experiencing God’s power and grace, how will we respond? When we obey the Word of the Lord, stepping beyond our understanding is possible. May we work together beautifully and follow Jesus for the rest of our lives.
Today, Jesus is still calling us with His Words. We receive the command to go deeper. Jesus says, “Put out into deep water.” Trust Me even when it’s uncertain or hard. “Let down your nets.” Step out in faith and move forward in love. Let us say “Because you say so” to Jesus and “Yes” to His mission.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)