John 21:1-14 (TPT) Jesus Appears at Lake Galilee
1 Later, Jesus appeared once again to a group of his disciples by Lake Galilee. 2 It happened one day while Peter, Thomas (the Twin), Nathanael (from Cana in Galilee), Jacob, John, and two other disciples were all together. 3 Peter told them, “I’m going fishing.” And they all replied, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and fished through the night, but caught nothing.
4 Then at dawn, Jesus was standing there on the shore, but the disciples didn’t realize that it was him! 5 He called out to them, saying, “Hey guys! Did you catch any fish?”
“Not a thing,” they replied.
6 Jesus shouted to them, “Throw your net over the starboard side, and you’ll catch some!” And so they did as he said, and they caught so many fish they couldn’t even pull in the net!
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Peter heard him say that, he quickly wrapped his outer garment around him, and because he was athletic, he dove right into the lake to go to Jesus!
In our lesson today, the resurrected Jesus initiates the third encounter with his disciples; this group has gone back to fishing for fish. Jesus calls out to several of his disciples, but only one makes the connection between the voice speaking to them from the shore and the abundance before them. John connects faith with past experience and proclaims, “It’s the Lord!” On the other hand, Peter may still have some inner turmoil going on, because he isn’t as quick to recognize the voice of the Savior. There is the lesson.
When you and I have inner turmoil, we cannot hear the voice of the Lord well, either. Jesus is going to speak into our lives and if we are expectantly waiting for him and willing to obey his word, then he will bring good out of what may even seem impossible. We serve the God—the Creator—of heaven and earth and he has promised to provide for us. Don’t be surprised by his love; be overwhelmed with gratitude as he begins to bring beauty from ashes in your life.
Prayer: Lord, for as long as I can remember, you have brought good things out of even the discouraging and difficult places in my life. You are always faithful and true to your love for me. I know your voice speaks into my spirit to give guidance and bring abundance. I want to be quick in my spirit to make the connection. So it is my responsibility to keep my soul in peace as I trust in your love. Like John, may I be quick to proclaim, “It’s the Lord!” In Jesus’ name. Amen.