Jesus Went Fishing!

Catch Anything – Part Three

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” John 21:9-10

P1010563

People who have read this story often focus on the fact that the disciples were fishing when they should have been doing something more spiritual. But Jesus also went fishing that night. The difference was that He not only caught fish, but he filleted them and had them baking on the fire by the time Peter and his friends showed up in the morning!  In fact, Jesus never told the disciples that they shouldn’t have been out in the boat. Instead He welcomed them in a way that they would remember for the rest of their lives. He wanted them to know that their success or failure had nothing to do with their own efforts. His love was not just about being “spiritual” but about being willing to fish and knead bread dough and make breakfast for others. His love was about being willing to meet them in the morning in a most miraculous way.

Before this day is past pause to ask if there isn’t someone who needs us to wait through the night. Maybe God will bring a person you haven’t thought of for a while to mind to whom you can give a simple gift. Not even filet mignon at the finest restaurant will taste half as good as filet of fish in the morning after a night filled with struggles.

P1010582

God knows where we have been. He has stayed up fishing for us all through the night. What a blessing it will be when we pull our boats to shore and sit down with Jesus at the dawning of that eternal day!

Only Grace

As Paul McCartney once sang, “When I was younger so much younger than today. I never needed anybody’s help in any way.”

With independent assurance of youth fleeing fast over my horizon I am suddenly faced with a weakness that reminds me that Jesus is a friend closer than anyone on this planet. He alone has the numbers of my days written in a book. How wonderful to know that He has not only visited me in this orphanage called the world but He has decided to adopt me into His own family.

And now I know more than ever that I need all of God’s grace all of the time. He has in His mysterious and Holy way watched over me and will continue to watch till dawn!

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:8 NKJV