Year 8, Day 269: John 21

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Today we have another reaction to the resurrection.  The disciples go to fish.  Here is another completely normal reaction.  They don’t know what else to do, so they go fishing.  It’s possible to be critical of them.  I’ve even been critical of them in the past!  But in truth, they still didn’t understand.  Not knowing what to do, they go fishing.

Regardless of the opinion of the disciple’s choice to go fishing, there is something that is for sure.  When they recognize Jesus at work, they react.  Peter throws himself into the lake, attempting to get to Jesus.  He leaves the rest of the disciples to deal with the fish, but they manage.  Soon they are having a breakfast of fish with the Lord.

There’s an interesting point here.  The disciples go about life, waiting to see the Lord at work.  When they see it, they leap at the chance to be with Jesus.  The disciples don’t force God’s hand, the wait about patiently for the door to open.  They have the patience to wait for the Lord to lead.  They are content to go fishing while they figure it out.

This is a neat point to ponder.  How often do we force the Lord’s hand?  How often are we afraid to spend a season – or even a day – just fishing while we wait upon the Lord?  How many times do we go out and do our own will and call it the Lord’s will because we feel that we should be doing something?  Perhaps the Lord wants us simply to go fishing until He calls us to work in His wisdom.

This is how the Gospel of John ends.  Jesus tells Peter to feed His sheep.  He also tells Peter to not worry about the plans He has for the other disciple.  In other words, Jesus is telling Peter to just tend to His life and wait for the Lord to invite him into ministry.  Invite He will, too.  In the book of Acts we hear just what God will ask of Peter.  But for the time being, it’s a simple life of fishing and tending the flock for Peter.

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