Good Morning Trinity,
As I read this chapter I’m reminded of the different devotions and sermons I’ve drawn from it over the years. Peter in his disgust telling the other disciples “I’m going fishing.” Peter had rejected his Lord 3 times, just as Jesus had told him he would. I imagine the guilt Peter was feeling about his failure to stand for Jesus when the opportunity came was devastating to him. Putting ourselves in Peter’s shoes can unfortunately remind us of times when we ourselves have failed to stand for Jesus.
Peter and the disciples who were with him had fished all night and of course had come up empty. No fish in their nets to show the efforts they had put into a night out on the Sea of Galilee. I wonder what that night was like for Peter and the disciples? Were their hearts into fishing that night or were they just going through the motions. Truthfully, they had just been through a traumatic few days. I wonder if they had just gone out on the boat that evening and stared at each other. In the morning as they were near the shore Jesus called out to them, “have you caught any fish children? Cast your nets on the right side of the boat.” One cast, 153 fish and yet their nets didn’t break. Doesn’t it seem that when the Lord calls us to a task we need to be obedient?
Jesus had breakfast cooking for the disciples after they had dragged that full net to the shore. After they had finished eating Jesus asked Peter a question. Jesus said, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these? I’ve always pictured Jesus at that time pointing at the boat, the nets, and the other disciples as He asked Peter this question. Peter, what’s more important to you, things of this world or Me? I believe you know the story. Jesus was going to ask Peter 3 times, “Do you love Me.” Some might think that Jesus was punishing Peter for his denial of Jesus as He stood trial. But I believe that what Jesus was doing was restoring Peter. Jesus had great plans for Peter’s life but Peter at that point, was broken. Have you ever felt that Jesus could ever use you because of something you’ve done in your past? Our Lord restores the broken.
As Peter walked with Jesus he looked behind to see that John was following them. In Vs. 21 – 22 So Peter seeing him *said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” Jesus *said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” I’ve taken the liberty to underline the last 3 words of vs. 22 to make a point. It’s easy to get caught up in all that is happening in today’s social and political climate. We worry about what is happening and somehow we think that if we worry enough and are loud enough on Facebook, we can somehow change it all. Don’t be consumed by what is happening around you today. Our God is not a God of confusion. Fall back on His promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Only follow Him.
God Bless,
Pastor Dave
Announcements:
Tuesday – 6pm Our online bible study. Watch lesson 3 of JD Greear’s Book of Ephesians on RightNow Media and then join us for our bible study on Tuesday starting at 6PM. Go to Trinity’s Facebook page and click on the link for Zoom bible study.
Sunday – 10:30am – Trinity’s on-line service. Join us as we worship our Lord together. Next week on the 28th we’ll be together again with our regular service.
