I’m Going Fishing!

Scripture: John 21:1-6 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

1 Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. 2 Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. 3 Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. 4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 5 He called out, “Friends, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. 6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. (John 21:1-6 NLT)

Jesus was alive but not present with his friends! They had seen him on more than one occasion (except Thomas, who missed the first event), and at his instruction they had made the three-day journey to Galilee to wait for Jesus to meet them. But time hung heavy on their hands and when Peter couldn’t take it any longer, he said, “I’m going fishing!” When you’re used to being busy, it’s hard to just sit and wait for something that doesn’t have a date on it. And when you’re suddenly unemployed and not sure what’s next, there’s a strong push or pull to go and do something you’re good at! (Or something you used to be good at!)

They said, “We’re with you, Peter!” and they got in the boat and headed out. Note that they got in “the” boat! Peter, who had made such a bold statement about leaving everything to follow Jesus, apparently still had a boat stashed in the bushes down at the lake! That’s something to think about! Do you still have a boat in the bushes?

They fished all night and caught nothing! So much for “at least being good at something!” For years, when I felt discouraged in ministry, felt incompetent for the work God called me to, didn’t know how to “move forward in faith”, I’d think, “Well, at least I could get a job running a Service Station or being a mechanic. At least I know how to do that!” After hearing that from me too many times, God said, “Don’t ever bring up the Service Station or mechanic thing again! It’s been awhile, and you really wouldn’t do as well at that now as you’d like to think!” Thanks, Father, for the encouragement! I needed that!

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for the reminder that I’m probably not as good a mechanic as I think I am. I pray for my friends who are stuck in Galilee waiting for Jesus to show up. I pray for wisdom, for peace of mind and heart, and for patience. For Heaven’s Sake!