The Perfect Cast
I love that these verses written by a former fisherman include a fishing term. Yet, I doubt Simon Peter's experience was synonymous with my family's pastime of fishing placid Minnesota lakes. We catch and release, content with or without. It is all for fun and a possible fish fry with neighbors. But, for Simon Peter and his clan, fishing was a consuming lifestyle of another sort. Viewing Simon Peter's occupation before following Jesus, I can see why anxiety may have been a routine emotion.
The uncertainty is witnessed in Luke 5:1-11 and John 21:1-11. Both times, Peter is about to give up. Yet, when Jesus tells him to let down his net on the other side of the boat, the nets become so heavy they can hardly be lifted. In true Peter-fashion, there is an extreme response. The first is humility. The second is one of jubilance to the point of throwing himself in the water and swimming for shore.
The attitude expressed in 1 Peter 5:6-7 is similar--a caught humility followed by a jubilant release. The word choice also adds a unique emphasis.
The word casting (NASB) in Greek, a combination of the words upon and to throw off or toss, is epiripto. This word is used twice in scripture.
They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. Luke 19:35-36 NIV
Saying epiripto provides proper emphasis in both cases. This is not a subtle setting down or a casual tossing. It implies a concerted effort, throwing off of hindrances, and exposing true intentions. Viewed with the Triumphal Entry, it is an action anticipating joy and proclaiming praise. Connected with anxiety, it means praising through submission and enjoying the peace of well-being.
Casting our anxiety is a celebratory activity preceded by the humbling realization of a required savior. The beauty of Jesus' form of casting is His catching up of our release. Once we are caught up by Him, He never releases us. Our lives are His prized trophies displaying His glory.