Lord, you have come to the lakeshore
looking neither for wealthy nor wise ones;
you only asked me to follow humbly.
O Lord, with your eyes you have searched me,
and while smiling have spoken my name;
now my boat’s left on the shoreline behind me;
by your side I will seek other seas.
Aimee and I have been blessed to be part of many faith communities in our life. Aimee’s home church of the First United Methodist Church of Cache, OK is one that holds a special place in our heart. For several years, the Rev. R.T. Perry was the pastor of this wonderful congregation in southwest Oklahoma. R.T was a wonderful man who loved God and God’s people. R.T. was a friend and a mentor to us both.
It seemed like R.T. ended almost every one of his sermons with the wonderful hymn, Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore, by Casareo Gabarain. This song was a reflection on the calling of the disciples around the lake of Gennesaret. Casareo spent many days in ministry around this place where Jesus also walked. In the gospel of Luke, Jesus extends the call to ministry and to follow him to his first disciples. It is on the shore of this lake that Jesus calls to Peter, James and John to come and follow. Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” (Luke 5:10)
We learned from R. T. one very important lesson. As the people of God, we are called to take the love and grace we have experienced and share it with the world. Jesus’ disciples left behind their boats, the work they knew, and even their homes to follow Jesus. As they walked with him, they learned of his great love for the world. Soon, Jesus would send the disciples out to tell others about what they had seen and experienced. Luke writes in his Gospel, “So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.” (Luke 9:6)
What started at that lakeshore so long ago is still our calling today. We are a people of faith who have experienced love and grace, and now we have the privilege to go and offer the same love that was given to us. As I write this devotional, I cannot help but reflect on the love and grace that I have experienced in God’s church. I am also reminded that this love was not a gift for me to keep to myself. I now have the joy of walking with my Lord and sharing his love and hope.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
