Read John 21:1-11 - This passage is after Jesus’ death on the cross, after the resurrection, and after Jesus has made a few surprise appearances before his disciples and followers. Here we see another.
The disciples are in Galilee, the place Jesus instructed them to wait. They head out fishing. Turns out it was a bum of a night for fishing and they catch nothing. Come morning a Man, who they do not recognize but we know to be Jesus calls out to them to throw their fishing nets to the other side of the boat. They listen, “obey” and bring in a crazy amount of fish.
I love verse 6-7. It’s the heart of the passage. And when reading it this morning, I found three interesting write-ups from commentators that I want to share.
1. “The disciples’ haul of fish is a parable of their missionary activity in the time that lies ahead. But this activity, with its pastoral sequel, will be attended by success only as they follow the directions of their risen Lord.” (Bruce)
Simple put... There is a difference in doing the work, and doing the work WITH Divine guidance. Seek, listen and obey His guidance.
2. It is a miracle, certainly, but yet neither the fisherman, nor his boat, nor his fishing tackle are ignored; they are all used and all employed. Let us learn that in the saving of souls God worketh by means; that so long as the present economy of grace shall stand, God will be pleased by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” (Spurgeon)
3. “Perhaps, if they had not fished at night, Christ would not, have given them fish in the day time. He does not often come to bless idlers; he acts sovereignly, as I have said, but he generally gives his blessing to those churches that do the most for him.” (Spurgeon)
As a sat and reflected this morning, I was convicted of this simple message. God is calling us to do the work. The key in doing his work though is the actual doing and listening to his Divine guidance. Doing and listening.
Too often we forget one.
