April 8 | John 21:1-14
- Beth Voltmann
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Déjà Vu
By Beth Voltmann
As we read today’s passage, we glimpse an event that took place shortly after Jesus’ death and resurrection. The atmosphere is almost palpable - seven of the original disciples seemed to be feeling discouraged and their hopes dashed. What they had been living for during the past three years had come to naught. They had resigned themselves to failure. So, they did what most of us do when our plans don’t work out the way we imagine, they returned to the familiar.
And so did Jesus!
Can you imagine the scene? Peter and the sons of Zebedee were back in a fishing boat with a few others when someone appeared on the shore and called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” (v. 5)
Disheartened, they admitted: “No.” (All night. Nothing.)
In response,
He said,
“Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”
When they did, they were unable to haul the net in
because of the large number of fish. (v. 6)
This was familiar! Déjà vu! They knew this voice! They had experienced a similar miraculous catch in the past - such awe! (See Luke 5:4-11) John turned to Peter and announced, “It is the Lord!” (v. 7) Without hesitation, Peter grabbed his outer clothing and jumped into the water to make his way toward Jesus.
The Lord spoke again, “Come and have breakfast.” (v. 12) Although he invited them to bring some of their catch, fish and bread were already prepared on the fire. Jesus didn’t have need of their fish, he had need of their hearts.
And, he took the bread and gave it to them. (v. 13) What a déjà vu moment yet again as memories must have flooded back to them of Christ blessing and breaking bread at the feeding of the 5000 (Matt. 14:19), and of the 4000 (Matt. 15:36), and the Last Supper (Luke 22:19).
This is the richness of the grace and mercy of our God. He uses the familiar to draw us back, to heal our hearts, to show us we are loved. He is so gentle, kind, patient, loving, and forgiving. He longs for us to come running back to him even when we have failed. Seek him and you will find him waiting for you with open arms.
PRAYER
Lord,
Help me to “Remember When...” I want to remember when I first believed and called you my Savior. I long to sense your presence as I have so many times in the past. I welcome you into my familiar routine and ask you to open my eyes and ears to your Holy Spirit. On the days when I am stuck in a rut, feel like a failure, or have lost my hope, will you give me a heavenly déjà vu of your past faithfulness? Remind me that you will never leave me nor forsake me. Great is Thy faithfulness!
Amen
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BETH VOLTMANN
After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.
This was a fantastic devotional. It really hit home for me. Thanks
This is a wonderful, timely writing, especially the prayer. Thank you.
That prayer could be my own. Lately, I've been in that rut, looking for the Lord, trying to hear His voice. Thank you for reminding me that I need to keep welcoming Him into the ordinary and trusting that He is always there.