Life Speaks

John 21:4-7a As the sun was rising, Jesus stood at the water’s edge, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then he asked them, “Young men, haven’t you caught anything?” “Not a thing,” they answered. 6 He said to them, “Throw your net out on the right side of the boat, and you will catch some.”  7a Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”
 
JESUS, the risen Son of God, once more serves his disciples. He first offers his help with a question, “Young men, haven’t you caught anything?”  When they respond, “Not a thing.” the Lord of Creation points them to their catch.
   The disciples were experienced fishermen. Might have resented a man on the shore telling how to fish? But certainly there was a tone to Jesus’ voice that commanded them to listen to him. Perhaps their experience helped them know it was good to take someone’s advice. They did as instructed, and when the nets began to fill, John (the disciple whom Jesus loved) realized who was on  the shore.
   It is easier to see Jesus when we obey him, isn’t it? What if the expert fishermen had rejected Jesus’ advice? They would have missed the Lord’s blessing. And their upcoming meal with him may have been a little strained as they realized that once more they had disappointed the Lord, who called them to “Come, follow me.”
   When we speak of following Jesus, we may too often speak of the cost. But certainly the blessings are much greater. Following Jesus impacts our day-to-day lives as we are open to his guidance in all avenues of life. Do you want to be a good businessman? The ethics of Christ’s teachings will guide you a solid foundation in your work. How about parenting or grandparenting – are these some things you want to do well? Church leadership? Neighborhood caregiver? Local politics? Each thing you do can be done well under Jesus’ authority. The apostle Paul said I this way in Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  
 Listening to the Lord’s “small” directions helps us to be prepared to obey his “large” commands. Peter and the others threw the net and caught fish. Jesus will soon direct Peter to cast his life in a new direction. Jesus has prepared him, and he will go into the Lord’s blessing.