Life-spark: Jesus can bring certainty to your uncertainty. (John 21:1-14)
Jesus died on the Jewish Passover. Fifty days later, during the Jewish celebration of Pentecost, a room full of His Spirit-filled followers burst out of the upper room onto the crowded streets of Jerusalem, boldly sharing God’s good news.
The forty-seven days between Jesus’ resurrection and Pentecost were days of uncertainty for His disciples. They had never been taught about a second coming of Christ. What would they do and where should they go from here?
Seven of them went fishing. They fell back on what was familiar, as we all tend to do in times of uncertainty. They were all trying to figure out what Christ’s resurrection meant to their future. They needed food, money, security and direction. They fished all night and didn’t catch one single fish. Was God saying “Don’t go backward, go forward?”
When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn’t recognize him. (John 21;224, MSG) The stranger yelled, “Cast your net off the right side of the boat and see what happens.” He yelled with such authority that they obeyed. Instantly, a giant school of large fish swam into their net. It was a deja vo miracle, just like a miracle Jesus had performed when He initially enlisted them.
Peter jumped out of the boat and swam or ran to meet Jesus. Jesus had some fish cooking on the fire and He told Peter to help the others haul their bulging net of fish to the shore, and to bring a few of the fish to the fire to add to what was already there.
Standing around the fire and eating fish with Jesus, the seven must have felt they were straddling the line that separates the natural from the supernatural. Actually, we all are.
Even when we are feeling uncertain and undecided, even when things are blurry and hazy, we’re just the width of a boat – one act of obedience – away from divine provision, confirmation, and renewed direction.
Life challenge: Is there any place in your life where you have fallen away from Christ’s call to a special assignment He has for you? If so, ask Him to re-enlist you.