Breakfast With Jesus

Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. John 21:12 ESV

It is curious to me that like two bookends, the disciples’ experiences with Jesus were bracketed by two unlucky fishing trips. The first day with Him as well as the last, began with a morning meeting. In the first, (Luke 5:10), Jesus tells them, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Then, for three and a half years, as they followed, Jesus taught them about heaven and showed them what it looked like, as He gave sight to the blind, cleansed the lepers, and fed the crowds with only a few loaves of bread.

In the same way, Jesus calls us to follow and to fish for Him. But it does seem that a lot of our fishing, just like the disciples, looks like pulling in empty nets. But Jesus also taught about planting seeds, and He said that good seed in good soil would yield a good harvest. Now harvest time is great, but most of the year on a farm is not about picking apples, grapes, or corn. A farmer’s days are filled by waiting for seeds to germinate, watering them, and then pulling weeds. Yes, the corn gets taller, the apples grow larger, and grapes begin to fill the vines, but harvest time comes at the end, not the beginning of the season. But if we faithfully follow Jesus, casting nets and pulling weeds, our harvest or catch of fish will one day come. Though our labors may seem to be unrewarded, Jesus is working all night as well and He is waiting for our arrival. As Christians, our end comes not at night, but at dawn. So, listen, He is calling you, “Come my child, bring what you have caught, sit by my side and let’s have breakfast together in Heaven!”

The First Noel – Jesus’ Birthday

The First Noel is a 15th century carol of uncertain authorship, but its melody and story is timeless. The French Christmas greeting, “Joyeux Noël” (Joyful birth) gives us the hint that it is all about the birthday of Jesus. In this brief video I share a story of young boy named Dylan, who we used to bring to church and how he discovered before any of the adults, just where the party for Jesus was held. I hope you will be blessed as you listen to this tiny Christmas tale and a simple rendition of “The First Noel which we sang at Life Care Center this past week.

God Remembered

He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy. Luke 1:52-54

As Mary begins her song, she gives us an insight into the heart of God and sings of God remembering His mercy. Now this remembering is not the same as when we suddenly recall something long forgotten, slap ourselves on the knee and say, “O yeah! I forgot about that!” No, our God, who knows the number of hairs on our heads and has written all our days in His book before we live them, never forgets mercy for a while and then suddenly remembers again. As Mary was inspired by the Holy Spirit in her song, she was speaking of a remembrance which is more like a locket that we hang around our necks with the photo of a loved one on the inside. When Jesus was conceived in Mary, God gave Him to be that locket, and beginning with His birth in Bethlehem, He placed the photographs of everyone who believed in Him inside it. But Bethlehem was only the beginning, and God has a greater day in mind. One day God’s locket of mercy will be opened, and everyone whose name is inscribed inside will be given a place at His table and will be able to joyfully and gratefully worship Him forever in remembrance of His mercy!