Scripture

Our verse for today comes from John 21:5-6, “Jesus called out to them, ‘Children, do you have any fish?’ They answered Him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they did, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.”

Background

Picture the disciples, gathered together in a room somewhere, waiting for Jesus. Each time they meet, they lock the doors in hopes that the Jews don’t find them out, these followers of the risen Lord. But after a few of these gatherings, Peter can’t take it anymore. He’s had enough of the hiding, the waiting, and the fear. So he tells the guys, “I’m going fishing.” He’s waited long enough, he’s cowered long enough, and so he’s going to go do what he does. The other guys can do what they want, but Peter is out of here. Well, they say that they’re coming, too. You know how it is when the bold leader takes off in a direction; the sheep usually follow, regardless of the plan. But after they’ve fished all night, their nets are still empty. And I can just imagine what the mood was like on that boat. Frustration drove them to the water, and only more frustration was waiting for them there. Can you hear the conversation? Have you had one like this recently? “What a waste of time, Peter.” “Hey, no one said you had to come!” “Well, it’s better than being locked up in that room.” “Who chose to throw the nets in right here, anyway?” “I told you this was a mistake.”

Application

Back and forth it probably went until someone called out from the shore. Someone who probably could hear the bickering, who thought it appropriate to call them children. These leathered men, fearful and proud, fussing like children. And you know the tone in their voice when they said no, they hadn’t caught any fish. We hear it from our own children every day. So the man tells them, “How about trying the other side?” Like telling our kids where their other sock is when they’re getting dressed. But they heed His advice, and then the jig is up. Jesus has played His hand, and the nets are overflowing. Impatience, bull-headedness, and failure are met with grace and abundance. Our childishness is overwhelmed as Jesus looks past all that to see the finished product. He knows where He is taking us. So He calls us back again, rights our wayward ship, and sends us out again. We, who sometimes don’t know our right from our left.

Charge

As we seek Him today, examine whether you’re in the boat fussing, locked in a room afraid, or on the shore fellowshipping. If you need to, simply turn your heart the other way and see what is waiting for you there.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words