Simon Says.

These two words bring to mind a children’s game we used to play. The game is simple: If Simon says, do it. But, if Simon doesn’t say, then don’t do it.

You remember, right?

Simon says look up. Simon says look down.

Look out the window. Simon says look out the window.

Let’s try again.

Simon says Put one hand up. Simon says Put the other hand out.

Clap them together.

Well, it’s been a long time since we’ve played it, right? It’s a hard game to play—for all of us.

In today’s Scripture lesson, we encounter a Simon—Simon Peter. And he has some things to say.

It begins on the lakeshore. A great crowd is gathered to hear Jesus teach the word of God.

Jesus sees two boats on the shore. He gets into the one belonging to Simon Peter, and asks him to put out a little way. From there, Jesus teaches the listening crowds about the word of God and its power and promise to bless.

When he had finished speaking, Jesus said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch."

Simon says, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing."

Simon is not being contrary or disrespectful, I don’t think. Simon is simply stating the obvious. Simon is being realistic. He knows he has been fishing all night long. He knows he has done everything he could, but still caught nothing. He is frustrated. He is tired. He just wants to go home, hoping tomorrow will be a better day. Simon must have overheard Jesus’ teaching about the word of God and its power and promise to bless. But, still Simon must have wondered: what does God’s word have to say about everyday frustrations—like fishing?

"Let down your nets for a catch," Jesus says.

Simon doesn’t understand. A catch? How can that possibly be?

Simon is not the only one to question these divine directives.

There was Abraham—you want me to go where?

And Sarah—you’re going to give me a son—in my old age?

There was Noah—you want me to build what?

There was Moses—you’re going to help me do what to the waters of the Red Sea?

And there was Mary—how can this be, since I am a virgin?

And then there’s us—how can it be that your eternal word has something to say to our everyday frustrations: struggles in our marriages; worries about our children and grandchildren; challenges in making ends meet; pains in our bodies; anxieties about getting better; our fear of the unknowns of the future. You want us to believe your word, O God, that you can bless us even here, even now?

Simon says, "Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets."

When he did, the nets were full to breaking, and the catch of fish filled both boats to overflowing.

Then, what did Simon say?

He fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!"

Simon was amazed at the catch. Simon was amazed at the blessing. Simon was amazed and confused. After all, he had done nothing to merit Jesus’ blessing. In fact, he had doubted it could even happen.

Simon doesn’t understand that he is blessed not because of his qualifications as a fisherman, his character as a person, or his potential as a disciple. Simon is blessed not because of what he said or did not say, did or did not do. Simon is blessed not because of who he is—just like Abraham and Sarah, Noah, Moses and Mary, are not blessed because of who they are—but because of who God is.

Simon is not the only one to be confused by God’s way of blessing whoever, however, whenever—in ways that certainly don’t always make sense.

This is especially difficult for those of us who live by the "decently and in good order" book.

After all, we are used to getting what we deserve—nothing more, nothing less.

We don’t expect to receive something we did not work for.

We’re good at working, doing, giving, being active, in charge of our destiny, working out our own salvation.

But, we’re not so good at giving up control, admitting our brokenness, facing our frailty, confessing our dependence, receiving God’s blessings—especially those did not think we needed or wanted. Sometimes blessings come wrapped in ribbons of joy; other times, they come disguised as a challenge or loss. Often God’s blessings come when we’re not ready, not looking, not expecting, not understanding, not believing, not deserving, not open to receive the blessing, however, whenever it comes.

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people."

What does Simon say?

Simon doesn’t say anything.

Obviously, Simon doesn’t understand the blessing.

Simon knows he doesn’t deserve the blessing.

Simon simply doesn’t understand.

Simon is not the only one.

It’s hard to have faith today. It’s often hard to see God’s grace at work in our lives. It’s harder still to follow in the way of Jesus. It’s hard—for all of us—to understand these things, let along, know what to say.

Jesus says, "Don’t be afraid; from now on you will be catching people."

Simon doesn’t say anything. Nothing at all.

Maybe he hasn’t understood anything Jesus said.

Maybe.

Then again, maybe it’s not what Simon says, but what Simon does that really speaks.

Simon left everything and followed him.

Maybe it’s not what we say, but what we do, that really matters in the end.

Thanks be to God.