No Hesitation

John 21:7b-10 As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”  
 
WE know Peter is a passionate, action-oriented man. Once again he is the first to “run” to Jesus through the water. One hundred yards fully clothed is a long run through water! Peter wanted to quickly get to Jesus.
   What do you think was on Peter’s mind? Was he still wondering if Jesus forgave him for his three-time denial? Might he have been eager to confirm once again Jesus is alive – to touch him, to see his wounds? Or do you think Peter wanted to know, “What do we do now, Lord?” Maybe it was all of these. When you’re waiting for Jesus, you can wonder, “Am I forgiven?” “Will he come?” “What will I do when he does come?” “Am I ready?” And then what is your response when he appears? Do you eagerly go to him, “How can I serve you, Lord?” Or might you stay at a distance, hesitant to hear what he has to tell you?
   Peter and the others went to Jesus as quickly as they could. There was so much they wanted to know. On the sea where Jesus first met these disciples, these men were certainly anticipating some new and wonderful things to happen soon. The one who had raised the dead is now raised from his own death. He has “gone away” and is back with them just as he said he would be: John 14:28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’” The disciples had witnessed God’s magnificent power in very intimate occasions. John, Peter and James had even seen Jesus’ full glory. Through all history, God has allowed very few men to experience God on earth as these men had. Was God’s Kingdom about to change Israel – even the world?
   But the first thing Peter sees is three fish on a fire. Jesus is cooking breakfast for them. And he requests more fish, so all can eat a good meal. When you make a good meal for friends, remember Jesus did it, too – several times in his ministry.
   Sometimes we look too hard into our relationship with God, wondering if all is good. We certainly must assess if we are living in the Father’s will. Still, it’s good to know there is a magnificent simplicity of God’s love that draws us to him. The LORD God has come to humanity since day six of creation to tell us he has made us “good” and desires us to live in his image. He loves us and wants us to love him, so we have a blessed fellowship with him.
   Jesus had much for the disciples to do. But Jesus first wanted them to know he loves them. He first cared for their hungry and tired bodies, so they are prepared to receive the Spirit’s power for their hearts, minds and souls.