Friday
At the Sea of Galilee

John 21:1,3-7, 9,13
“After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” 

So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.  Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish.”

I love this story of revelation about the disciples. They were lost when Jesus died. When they saw Him the day of the resurrection they were encouraged, but He left again. Now, unsure what to do, forgetting the training Jesus gave them of being fishers of men, they went back to their old life’s work, fishing for fish.

Only seven of the disciples were there that day. Jesus, who they did not recognize, calls out to them about the fish they had caught so far, but they had caught nothing. Jesus tells them what to do to get fish and then they were overloaded with fish.

I think John had enough perception that he had seen this miracle before, it must be the Lord, so he tells Peter he believes it is Jesus. Peter, still feeling sorry for himself, perks up, and jumps into the water to swim to Jesus. We do not know what the conversation was between him and Jesus at this point but I assume it was awkward for Peter.

When all seven get to the shore, they see Jesus, a fire, and fish and bread cooking on the coals. Jesus had made breakfast for the men and then he served them. I get chills just thinking of the scene. These men were perplexed, unsure what to do with the rest of their lives, and then Jesus appears again. This time in a way that was all too familiar. The miracle of fish, the breaking of bread and fish and then Jesus serves them.

I’m not sure a word needed to be spoken. It was more than déjà vu, it was a reminder, things haven’t really changed as much as you feel they have, keep going. That is the message today; even though things may feel different or even look different, He is right there with us guiding, leading us, prompting us to keep going, keep moving forward! Stalemate is to me stagnant, sometimes even cold or indifferent. Keep moving forward!

Prayer:
Lord, You have a mission for us all. You have a plan, a path. A race that only we can run. Strengthen us to run our own race with perseverance and stamina. In Your name Lord Jesus we ask, Amen!