“One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.” Luke 5:1-6
How often do we work at, strive, and hope for provision and success by our own hands? It’s fair to say we aren’t much different than the disciples who walked with Jesus; they were doing the work of every day living, casting nets for food to feed their families and to make a living. After fishing all night, they finally decided to turn their nets in, perhaps feeling a little disappointed, wishing their efforts would have produced what they expected, and having to accept the day’s defeat. In a slightly similar way, the painting without boats below sat in my studio for three years. I moved it around, tried to sell it, put it on the easel and contemplate what changes it needed… I knew it wasn’t finished but I was stuck and couldn’t figure out what it was missing or what I needed to do differently. Recently, I attended a Creatives Retreat with other Christian artists where we were given space and time amongst community to hear God’s voice. As I searched for a verse someone mentioned at the feasting table that morning, I stumbled upon Luke 5 and knew immediately THIS is what I was meant to paint all along. With a prayer and some paint, my heart leaped as I was allowing God’s Spirit to complete this painting in His timing and with His words.
The space between our striving and God’s miracle is all too often subtle, quiet, and at times feels empty. The boats wait and then Jesus shows up, notices the empty boats, and beckons for one of the fisherman, a disciple, to cast the nets again. Simon gives a respectful rebuttal but decides to say ‘yes’ in faith because Jesus spoke. The boats, water, and mountains are surrounded by light; it could be sunrise or sunset or just the space between dawn and dusk. The painting is an invitation into the liminal space of waiting. Whether in light or dark, whether nets are full or empty; one thing remains true, everything changes when Jesus comes.
If this inspires you or draws out questions about art and faith, please leave a comment. I would love to connect.
