Luke 5:7 And they beckoned unto [their] partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them.
I read this passage and a word jumped out at me and caused me to start to think. “Partner”, this word can be described as a collaborator. It can be further described as an associate in an activity or endeavor or sphere of common interest; especially one in which the associates both participate in the profits or benefits. These men found themselves in need of help from others. These men found it helpful even needful to have partners in their calling as professional fishermen. The task grew larger than they were able to continue with effectively.
First of all, I see their signaling. They called, they beckoned to their partners that were in another ship other than their own. The word “beckoned” means to signal, to communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs. What is the first thing you or I would have done? We would made lots of noise to let everyone know what you had gotten a hold of. That is because we are not seasoned fisherman. These men knew their trade and knew it well. With experience in this field, they knew that other ships were fishing in the same area. They didn’t sound the battle cry and take selfies to post on social media. They used non-verbal forms of communication to express their desire to help. Do we have the wisdom to do the same? Do we have the wisdom to know that it is ok to ask for help from the brethren? Do we have the experience in our walk with the Lord to communicate with each other appropriately in each situation?
Secondly, I see the sharing in the burden and task at hand. The word “partner” is used in this verse. The definition is “sharing in, participating in, an associate in an activity or endeavor or sphere of common interest; especially one in which the associates both participate in the profits or benefits.” When one shares in something, one becomes vested in that endeavor. I remember our Gospel Tent Crusades in Guyana were blessed a large part because we “beckoned” to sister churches to come and partner with us in the evangelistic efforts. The communities around us are watching how churches treat each other. Cities around our country are watching if and when there is sharing in working together. I am reminded of Galatians 6:2 which states “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Much of the mission work accomplished around the world is because of churches sharing and partnering for the Gospel to be taken to the ends of the world. For these fisherman to beckon to their partners who were also fishing, tells me that each boat was aware of other boats trying to do the same thing and that is catch fish! Guess who reaped the joy of bringing the nets of fish forth? Every single fisherman and boat that responded to being beckoned to for help. When we beckon for help in the ministry, others are blessed as well. Who has benefited because of partnering with you in their walk with the Lord? What harvest is being reaped because of your enablement of their work in the field, in the boat, here at home or in countries around the world? Whose burden are you sharing? Whose load is lighter because of yoking up with you?
Lastly, the text states “come and help them”. I see the seizing that took place. Here in Luke 5:7, the word “help” means to seize, apprehend, arrest, to give help or assistance; be of service. The help that was requested in having an active and full participation. Every time I hear or read the word “seizing”, I think of the U. S. Border Patrol agents or our U.S. Coast Guard seizing illegal contraband that is being attempted to be smuggled into our borders. This help is an effort that distinctly handles a situation, to give chase and strenuous effort which results in great accomplishment. This word help teaches me that the party that requests assistance is strengthened by my response to their beckoning of me. Who has been blessed because you came to their assistance? Who has used wisdom and experience in contacting you in asking for help? Verse 7 closes with both ships being filled, so that they began to sink, not that they did sink, only began. Today, think of who is being “helped” by you. Are both of your ships filled? Are they filled so that “they begin to sink”?
I believe that if we would be looking actively in the Word of God for the Holy Spirit to be “signaling” us, we would grow in our sharing of the “great multitude of fishes”. It would be because we have “seized”, we have chosen to help. May one learn to realize that both parties are blessed when one beckons us to help. May we seize/help in grabbing hold of more nets that great harvest of the goodness of God may be reaped. Times may have changed, but the task has not.
