July 5, 2026

Today's Reading: Luke 5:1-11

Daily Lectionary: Joshua 23:1-16; Acts 12:1-25

“And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets’” (Luke 5:5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Jesus blesses these unsuccessful fishermen with the greatest catch of all time, and through His blessing assures them and us that he will never let the godly grow hungry. He will give us bread and fish and will satisfy us with his provisions. He will feed us physically and give us daily bread. Yet he, the Bread of Life, will also satisfy us with living bread from heaven. He will feed us spiritually. Whoever feeds on him in faith will never hunger, thirst, or die. He will never let us perish spiritually. How does he comfort despairing, sinful Simon? “Do not be afraid,” he says.

Look at how this story began. The crowds were pressing in on Jesus. Like a celebrity that gets swarmed by a crowd, Jesus is trying to get away as the crowds press in on him all the way up to the shore—and this, to “hear the word of God.” Wouldn’t your Pastor love to have that happen every Sunday morning, with crowds of people swarming to get into church and hear God’s Word? So, what will Jesus do? He will feed his people. He will teach his people. He will call his people.

This story begins and ends with the Word of God. The crowds are drawn in to hear God’s Word, and the disciples are sent out to proclaim God’s Word. Jesus blesses his disciples with physical provision, spiritual healing, and finally, a spiritual office. He calls them to be fishers of men. He gives these despairing men a hopeful calling. He gives these sinful men an office of forgiveness. He gives these poor fishermen the treasures of heaven. He gives these frightened men courage to follow.

When we toil all night and catch nothing but discouragement and despair, we should follow Peter’s example in handing over our lament to God and obeying his Word. We should let God do the worrying—if it doesn’t work out, he knows why; and if it does, all glory, honor, and praise belong to him. In everything we do as Christians, we trust God’s Word. We throw out his net and let him worry about how full it will be. If God blesses our bodies and souls, he will surely bless our work and gifts. He will not let us labor in vain. His blessing will always accompany us in our work.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O God, You have prepared for those who love You good things that surpass all understanding. Pour into our hearts such love towards You that we, loving You above all things, may obtain Your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas.