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John 21:6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. It was shortly after the Lord’s resurrection. He had appeared to His disciples as they met behind closed doors and also to several others. Everything was in a state of flux. While touring the land with Jesus, the disciples had lived on the charity of others. Now they needed to work in able to support themselves, and they chose to return to the trade that they knew so well, fishing. They fished all night and hadn’t caught a single fish. In the morning mist they saw the form of a man standing on the shore. He asked, “Have you caught any fish?” Perhaps they thought that He was simply a buyer for the local fish store? When they replied that they hadn’t caught anything, He instructed them to cast their nets on the right or other side of the boat. Their boat was anchored about 300 feet from shore. A long net was attached to the boat. They would then swing the net in a circular arc towards the land trapping all the fish between the net and the shore. Simple enough, I’m sure that they had done this many times with success. But not today, the Master had something else in mind. Have we considered that when things don’t work out the way they always have, that the Master may have something else in mind? I remember a few years ago that our family had gone Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan just prior to my son leaving for the navy. We had fished all day and not caught a thing. The boat captain was about to call it a day. When I looked at my son and saw the disappointment on his face, I silently prayed, “Lord, you know where the fish are.” Instantly, our group had two double strikes as well as some single strikes. I mentioned to Marie that I had prayed and she replied that I wasn’t the only one praying. So much for my fish story, but this incident became a milestone of faith in my walk with the Lord. He cares about the simplest things in our lives. Recently I’ve prayed with a couple of men concerning their need for employment and uttered the words, “Lord you know where the jobs are.” Both men obtained jobs in short order. When the disciples followed the Lord’s command, their nets were suddenly filled with 153 large fish which the fishermen drug to shore without the nets breaking. John recognized that the stranger in the morning mist was the Lord. Peter who had stripped off his upper garments while fishing, modestly jumped into the water. He was careful how he presented himself to the Lord, as we should be also. Not just with our outer clothing, but with our inner heart. Something to consider: The Lord supplied the disciples with 153 large fish. But, when He called to them to “Come and dine,” He already had fish grilling on coals of fire. So, what would have happened if they had ignored the Lord’s command to alter their fishing procedures? You’re right. Nothing. Do we ever get tired of doing the same old thing and getting to same old results? Perhaps if we confess our frustration to the Lord, He might just alter our proceduresand do some things differently. The disciples added some of their fish on the grill and the whole group had a hearty breakfast. I’m sure that Peter who had denied the Lord three times felt a bit timid in the presence of the Lord. Jesus suddenly asked, “Peter do you love me more that these?” “Lord, you know I love you.” “Well then Peter, Feed my lambs.” A second time Jesus asked, “Do you love Me,” and Peter gave the same reply. Jesus answered, “Feed my sheep.” Peter got a bit perturbed when the Lord repeated the question for the third time. “Lord, you know that I love you,” to which Jesus replied once more. Feed my sheep.” Obviously when we profess our love to the Lord, He weighs our words against how we treat others of His flock. Jesus then proceeded to tell Peter the manner in which he would be martyred for His confession of faith. He would be bound and led to a cross of crucifixion, just has his Master had been. I assume that Peter had the option to call it quits and return to fishing. I don’t believe he gave it a second thought. He would dedicate his life to serving and feeding the lambs and sheep of the Lord’s flock. He gladly followed the invitation of Jesus to “Follow me“ being well aware of the cost involved. Song: Come and Dine MP3 Player Instant play for 30 or so hymns that we have recorded. Free Ebooks That You Can Download. An Expository Study on the Book of Colossians The I AMs of Jesus Thoughts on the Lord's Prayer Your thoughts and Inquiries Contact@About-Him.Com Subscribe to this devotional? Subscribe to About-Him Devotional Keep Looking Up! Don and Marie Spooner About Him! Ministries
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