This painting was inspired by a number of passages, including:

Psalm 144
Reach down your hand from on high;
deliver me and rescue me
from the mighty waters

Psalm 18
He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.

Matthew 4
"Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.