Tuesday June 4, 2024

Today is Tuesday, June 4 and we are completing our study of the Gospel of John.

Holy and Loving God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I come to this quiet space at the dawn of a new day and seek your presence. I quiet my mind, center my thoughts and slow my breath. As I inhale, I breathe in your love, joy and peace and as I exhale I release any negative thoughts, worries or concerns. Come, show me how to live the Resurrection life. Amen.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. John 21:7-14

The disciples returned to doing what they were doing before Christ came into their lives. They went fishing. They had been out on the sea all night and caught nothing. At daybreak I imagine they were tired, weary, cold, grieving, and disappointed because they had no fish. They were hungry too – hungry for breakfast and hungry for something more. An unidentified man on the shoreline calls out to them and suggests throwing their net in the water on the other side of the boat. When they do, they catch a large number of fish. John is the first one to recognize Jesus. Peter jumps in the water and swims ashore as the others follow in the boat towing a net full of fish.

What kind of Risen Lord is this? A mighty Savior who walks along the shoreline with sand in his sandals, builds a charcoal fire, roasts fresh fish and bakes a loaf of bread. I imagine the cold, hungry disciples rushing to gather around the flames for warmth. I can hear the fire crackle, see the sparks and smell the aroma of delicious food cooked over the open flame. Not having any dishware or utensils, I suspect Jesus served them, placing pieces of the bread and the fish in their upturned hands. Jesus knew exactly what they needed and provided it, all they were required to do was receive.

Before the disciples arrived on the shoreline, Jesus had already been there preparing for their needs. Jesus has already gone ahead of me into whatever my future holds, preparing things before I arrive, ready to provide whatever I might be lacking. I need not be worried or concerned about this morning, this afternoon or tomorrow. As he provided the disciples a meal that satisfied them physically, emotionally and spiritually, Jesus provides me sustenance, nourishment, and strength – a spiritual repast that will get me through whatever lies ahead. That is the kind of Savior I have.

Ask: What do I need Jesus to provide me today? How can I be in a posture to receive what he wants to give?

Pause and Pray

Jesus, you are my blessed Lord, Savior, and Friend. Help me recognize how you are always working for good in my life and circumstances. You know exactly what I need even before I ask you. I kneel humbly before you on the shoreline of the upcoming day, I turn up my palms and cup my hands in a posture of receiving. I long to receive what you offer. Thank you for loving me and supplying exactly what I need. As I journey through this upcoming day, I will take nourishment in the blessing of your constant presence. Amen.

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