Daily Reading: John 21
“I am going fishing.” ... “We will go with you.” (John 21.3)
Devotional Thought: Jesus had appeared to his disciples on Easter and a week later. He had told them – particularly Peter – to go to Galilee where he would meet them again. John doesn’t record how long they waited in Galilee for Jesus, he just says, "After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples..." (John 21.1).
Throughout the three years Jesus spent training the disciples he revealed his character and purpose to them. Ultimately he revealed the heart of God on the cross. After the resurrection he continued to reveal himself to them. A pattern was developing. Again and again he revealed himself. So, I believe that the disciples were confident that Jesus would reveal himself to them again.
So what did Peter do? He went fishing. When we find ourselves waiting for Jesus to show up again, we need to go fishing! Jesus has said that he would make us fishers of men. We are tempted to wait around for the church to do something or for there to be a special evangelistic emphasis. But, we don’t have to have a church program or a special emphasis from the church in order to go fishing. We just need to be willing to be a positive influence for Jesus, to invite somebody to our church or small group, or perhaps to offer to pray for someone. When we’re waiting we ought to be fishing!
I noticed something else, too. When Peter said, "Hey, I think we ought to go fishing," the others followed his example. "That’s cool," they said. "We’ll go too!" It happens that way in God’s work. When a leader takes the initiative, others follow. Someone needs to be the first. Will it be you?
While we are waiting to "see" Jesus again, let's do some fishing!
Prayer: Lord, we know that you are coming again. As we wait for you to reveal yourself, help us to go fishing, to share the love of God with others. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 39:1-6
1 I said, "I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence." 2 I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse. 3 My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4 "O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! 5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah. 6 Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
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