By Becky Austin Bramlett
In the first part of this chapter, the resurrected Jesus appears to 7 of the disciples, which is the 3rd such appearing. The disciples have been fishing through the night but have not caught any fish. They are frustrated, tired and hungry. Jesus calls to them tenderly, "Children, do you have any fish?" He instructs them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat and they are rewarded with so many fish that the net can hardly contain them. When they realize it is Jesus, they hasten to shore to find him waiting with a fire, some fish and bread. He asks them to bring some of their fish to prepare also.
What a compassionate picture of Jesus, coming to us as we are involved in our daily duties and showing concern. Not only did Jesus provide fish but he also blessed the provision of the disciples hands. Sometimes he simply provides what we need with no effort on our part, and sometimes he gives us the instructions, and resources to bless our efforts and reward our labors.
As they finish breakfast, Jesus has a very intimate and heart seeking conversation with Peter.
3 times Jesus asks Peter "Do you love me?" That 3rd inquiry "grieved" Peter for he had denied Jesus 3 times. Perhaps you too have painful memories of times that you feel you have failed Jesus. But Jesus didn't want Peter to linger in his failures because he had work for Peter to do and he has the same work for us too. Each time Peter declared his love for Jesus, He was told " then feed my sheep". Jesus doesn't want us to get bogged down in the past but realize we can make a difference in the future. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).
We are the disciples of Jesus, his ambassadors on Earth. Each new dawn we get opportunity to commune with Jesus. Jesus longs to meet with us at the start of our day, provide nourishment through his Word, talk with us through prayer, and send us out into the world to make a difference. He is the God of new beginnings. Shake the dust of yesterday off of your feet and start today fresh and empowered.
Verses to reflect on:
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘“The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him’” (Lamentations 3:22-24).
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him” (Psalm 40:3).
Hope you start your day having breakfast with Jesus!