Chapter 32
Good Monday Morning to this new week!
Once when he was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, the crowd was pushing in on him to better hear the Word of God. He noticed two boats tied up. The fishermen had just left them and were out scrubbing their nets. He climbed into the boat that was Simon’s and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Sitting there, using the boat for a pulpit, he taught the crowd. When he finished teaching, he said to Simon, “Push out into deep water and let your nets out for a catch.” Simon said, “Master, we’ve been fishing hard all night and haven’t caught even a minnow. Luke 5
Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent some time at water’s edge, banks, riversides, littorals or, most recently, at the shore of the Bielersee. Shores – where land and water meet – places of transition and reflection – they sure do hold a special allure that has inspired many – as including Jesus – though in a country of little water there were a few shores he was drawn to.
Jesus first met Peter and Andrew on the Sea of Galilee. They were fishermen working on the shore when He called them to become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:18-19). The shore, a place of their daily work, became the setting for a transformative moment.
Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching of his ministry, near the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 5-7). The natural amphitheatre created by the landscape allowed His words to reach a large crowd, illustrating the role of the shore as a place for sharing wisdom.
After a day of teaching and healing, Jesus performed the miracle of feeding 5,000 men, women, and children with five loaves and two fish near the shore of the Sea of Galilee (John 6:1-14). The shore served as the backdrop for this incredible demonstration of provision and abundance.
Shores provide a unique place where we can pause and reflect. The rhythmic sound of the waves and the expanse of the horizon can bring clarity and peace, making them ideal for contemplation and renewal.
Shores a gateway to new possibilities symbolising transitions and new beginnings. Just as the shore is where the land meets the sea, it is a place where we can move from the old to the new, from routine to adventure.
The beauty of coastlines-whether sandy beaches, rocky shores, or tranquil lakefronts-can inspire creativity and provide a sense of calm. It’s a place where nature’s artistry meets our own sense of wonder.
Shores can be subject to weather conditions that may not always be pleasant, such as strong winds or intense sun, or flooding. Popular shore areas may be crowded and commercialized, which can detract from the seeker’s peaceful experience.
As we embark on this new week, make sure you carve out time to visit a shore zone! Take a walk along a local beach, enjoy a peaceful moment by a lake, or take a contemplative pause by a river. Make these shore zones more than just geographical locations. Make them sanctuaries for reflection, renewal, and inspiration! Just as Jesus found moments of profound significance by the shores, we too can find moments of peace and purpose.
Wishing you all a great start to this new week.
Philemon