Familiar passage, new lessons-
I love how God teaches us new things when we study His word. This morning I was reading John 21 (the miraculous catch of fish after Jesus’ resurrection) and a few new truths stood out.
If you don’t remember the story, the disciples had been fishing all night and hadn’t caught anything. It’s morning now and Jesus calls to them from shore and tells them to toss their net on the right side of the boat (see, even the side of the boat has a lesson!) When they do, they catch 153 fish. They pull the fish to shore and Jesus already has breakfast going, with fish on the fire, and tells them to grab some of their fish and add them to the fire.
The first thing that really stood out to me was that the disciples only saw results when they did things Jesus’ way. They’d been fishing all night in their own strength, using the knowledge they possessed from years of fishing, yet had nothing to show for it until Jesus gave them new instructions and they obeyed. How many frustrations would we save if we waited for and followed Jesus’ instructions immediately?
The other thing that stood out to me was that Jesus had them bring what they had to add to what he’d provided. Did Jesus need their fish to feed all of them? No! Yet He graciously allowed them to be involved in what He was doing (even something as simple as cooking breakfast) by contributing what they have – which, really, was also something He provided.
Jesus doesn’t need us, yet in His good and gracious plan, He chooses to include us in doing His work and uses the gifts, abilities, and resources He’s provided to us to do so.
I’m still processing all the implications for my life, but these revelations impacted me so much that I thought maybe they’d touch you, too.
Be blessed today, watch for Jesus’ leading, and use what He’s given you to do His will. You’ll find fulfillment if you do!
Candle Sutton 