Tuesday May 2, 2023

Today is Tuesday, May 2 and we continue to study the Post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus.

I center myself to be in the presence of my loving Savior. I calm my breath, inhaling and exhaling deeply. I quiet my restless thoughts and fix the eyes of my soul on Jesus.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, Savior and Friend, I turn to you in the morning stillness and long to feel the comfort of your touch. Open the ears of my heart and help me hear your voice speaking into the events of the upcoming day. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s steadfast love and praise him with the ancient words of Psalm 3.

But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. Psalm 3:3-5

Pause and Pray

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.

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. John 21:9-13

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.

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. I read the words from John again and listen for the message you have for me.

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. John 21:9-13

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Before the disciples arrived on the shoreline, Jesus had already been there preparing for their needs. He lit a charcoal fire and cooked breakfast. 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 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.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, come and walk the shoreline of my heart and prepare a feast for my hungry soul. I turn up the cup of my heart to receive the sustenance of a breakfast only you can provide. As I journey through this upcoming day, I will take nourishment in the blessing of your constant presence. Amen.

“For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:33-35

I leave this time of prayer nourished by the presence of Christ, I go to feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty.

Amen