The Fifth Sunday after Trinity
July 5, 2026
Luke 5:1-11
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Yesterday, the country paused for fireworks, picnics, and celebrations. But why? It was our nation's Independence Day. It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, some 250 years ago in 1776, a document few continue to read, but many will quote these words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
So, you are promised an existence. The right to life – being alive. And you have the right to liberty, meaning you are free. But you are also given the pursuit of happiness.
Well, what does this mean?
Is the pursuit of happiness a state of being, or does the word “pursuit” mean chasing after or seeking happiness? If you ask most people today, they would say the pursuit of happiness is an effort that citizens chase. Like being an overcomer or a rags-to-riches story achieved through hard work, grit, and determination. This is how most of the world thinks and operates.
In the Gospel, there were no riches for Peter, no abundant catch of fish. What he did have in his possession were empty nets to be cleaned. Cleaning the nets would not be enjoyable; it would be downright laborious and tidiest work, yet this fishing crew worked hard with no bounty to show for it. Their pursuit of food and happiness led to the deep darkness of disappointment.
The deep darkness of disappointment remains a challenge for you as well. While you desire joy and happiness and work hard for it, you often find yourself unsatisfied in life. You grumble when others receive promotions you have worked so hard for. You are distraught over the happiness shown by other families, while you simply strive to hold onto the family you have. You grow depressed as sin enslaves you through secret addictions of the heart. Life isn't fair, and you are not always joyful.
You have developed a lack of satisfaction with your labors and vocations because they do not yield the fruit you desire or the profits you expect. Yet, you are reminded through the interactions of Peter and Jesus how all things come from God's hand, even our freedom.
Solomon was the author of Psalm 127, a Psalm that speaks to the reality that the foundation of all your labors is God the Father. Solomon writes, “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (V. 1) Your protection and care are derived from the presence of God. The wisdom of God's Word is the foundation of your homes and the labors we undertake.
But the world is fallen, unsatisfied, and anxious. Solomon writes again, “It is in vain that you rise early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:2) The bread of anxious toil is the result of man’s fall into sin and recalls the Words God spoke to Adam in the garden after the fall, “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread.” (Genesis 3:19)
No longer would labor be enjoyable, but thorns and thistles would fill the earth and hamper the pursuits of man. They would remind man of their dependence upon their Father in heaven and bring us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.”
These are the words Jesus is teaching Peter and the rest of his crew. Our daily bread and the needs for life, family, and country all come through His gracious hand. In the miraculous catch, Jesus reveals His authority over heaven and earth. He shows Himself as the God-Man.
Peter’s confession then is our confession – “Depart from me, because I am a sinful man, Lord.” It’s a confession of awareness, unworthiness, and sinfulness. But, Peter was wrong in one aspect when he said, “Depart from me.” In reality, he should have said, "Lord, come to me because I am a sinful man."
To you as to Peter, Christ says, “Do not fear.” Do not fear because, through His death and resurrection, your confession of sin is met with an announcement of absolution and forgiveness.
Through your baptism, you were plunged into the depths and darkness of Christ's death and raised to the glories of new life through His resurrection.
Our English translations always fail to provide a clear understanding of Jesus’ words near the end of the Gospel, as they often say, "Do not be afraid. From now on, you will catch men." Instead, the correct translation should be, "From now on, you will catch men alive."
To catch men alive takes us back to the beginning of our text, where crowds gathered upon Christ to “hear the Word of God.”
Here is why pastors are sent into the world to proclaim God's Word to you and those who are in despair from the toils and arduous labors of life. To proclaim forgiveness in Christ's name so that you are no longer slaves to sin but to Christ Himself.
It’s through the Word of God that you seek to hear this day; you are brought into the boat, the ark of the Church, to be kept safe throughout the deep and dark days of this life. You are no longer dead but made alive.
Alive and able to stand beside your neighbor who received a promotion before you with joy, support, and love for them. Or by having the Word of God upon your lips—speak it with gentleness so it may bring calm and peace to a family tired and frayed. Or if it is you who has been pursued by addiction, see the image of Peter this day and join in His Confession - "Lord, come to me because I am a sinful man."
Our pursuits of happiness are often met with tears and disappointment, but one who seeks the Word of God is led to the giver of every good and needful thing.
Seek Christ this day. Permit Him to be the builder of your home and the foundation for your labors in this life, the keeper of the nations. Hold onto the truth of His Word so that it will guide and keep you in the one true faith and bring us into the eternal joys of heaven. +INJ+
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Rev. Noah J. Rogness
Pastor, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Tomah, WI
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Website: www.goodsheptomah.org
The Shepherd’s Voice Podcast: https://goodsheptomah.podbean.com/
