April 28 | John 21:1-14
DAILY READING
John 21:1-14
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REFLECTION
Fishers of Men
by Judy Webb
Recently we celebrated Jesus' Resurrection after walking the passion path. We recognized the injustice of it all and embraced the miraculous reason for the outrageous treatment of our Savior - the free gift of salvation. It is free to us, but cost Jesus His life.
"'I'm going out to fish,' Simon Peter told them, and they said, 'We'll go with you...but that night they caught nothing.'" (John 21:2-3)
Today, the Gospel of John finds us at the water's edge, where Jesus first began calling His disciples to be fishers of men. Three years of ministry with these men provided a unique bond. Their love for each other brought them together in their grief -- returning to what was familiar, perhaps in an attempt to find comfort and peace doing something they loved.
"'Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the Disciples did not realize it was Jesus.' He called out to them, 'friends, haven't you any fish?'
'No,' they answered.
'Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.'" (John 21:4-6)
The story continues telling of the large number of fish they caught. It didn't take long for the men to recognize that this had to be Jesus, for the story was familiar. These skilled fishermen caught nothing. They were good at their trade, but not this time. The season of being fishermen was over. God's plan was to take them on a new adventure - a journey requiring faith. Jesus has a new call for these Disciples...does he have a new call for you?
Every season we enter is an opportunity for something new. A new job, new relationships, new and different ways of looking at life. Very often I ask God for reassurance that I am still moving forward within His will for my life. Sometimes I question if that purpose is changing. As we develop a close personal relationship with Jesus, He will often ask us to fish off the other side of the boat, and walk with faith toward something new. Are you feeling a new call, a different purpose? Embrace it and see where God leads.
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Dear Jesus, I want to follow You and go where You lead me. I know that You don't call the equipped, but You equip those you call. I can feel secure that you go before me and prepare they way. Amen.
