John 21:1-9 (NRSV)
After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. 2 Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin,[a] Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 3 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.
4 Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net to 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 there were so many fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards[b] off. 9 When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread.
Jesus keeps revealing himself to us. Even when we are not looking for him, Jesus Christ comes to us in our darkest hours and in our deepest times of need. After Jesus’ death, the disciples went back to fishing because it was easier to go back to what they knew than to face the unknown. After trying all night, they came up empty. But Jesus tells them to do try another way and they hit the jackpot. Yet, when they join him on the shore, they find he already has fish cooking on a fire. He also has some bread.
As we look upon the fruit of our labors, we may look at our empty nets and wonder where God is in all of our doubts and wanderings. But Jesus is on the shore, waiting with everything we need. He has the power to fill our nets to overflowing and we have the opportunity to just join him by the fire and rest in the provision he already has set before him. We can run off and try to find satisfaction in our own work. Or, we can join with Jesus in fellowship and rest in his presence and in what he has already provided.
This week, open your eyes to what God has already provided for you. Look for Jesus on the shore. He waits for you with a warm fire. He waits to give you warmth, provision, peace, and fellowship.
God bless you,
Pastor Don.
Pastor Don Terry 