By Clay Collins, MSG Chaplain
207 837-0564
“After this, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will go with you.’ They went out and got into the boat, but they caught nothing.”
John 21:1-3
The weather is finally getting warmer (slowly, true, but still warmer!). How many of us are thinking about going fishing? Yes, I’m sure there are the die-hards that have been fishing all winter! That is great. I hope you had great luck!
Did you ever think about when Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples at the seashore? The scripture that I chose this month only touches upon it. Read the rest of the chapter to get the full story.
The disciples get into their boat, go fishing all night, but catch NOTHING. When they saw Jesus on the shore, they did not know who it was, but they had their suspicions of who it actually was. They did not come right out and say His name.
He told them to cast their nets on the opposite side of the boat. When they did, the nets were so heavy they could not haul them in!
We are like the disciples. Instead of fishing for fish, we are, in a way, fishing for souls. Every day we are working, socializing, and meeting new (and old) friends. We should be trying to show them the way to the Lord. Sometimes we fail, but as Jesus said to the disciples, cast our “nets” to the other side. You might just “catch” a few new believers.
Later, in the same chapter, you will read that when Simon Peter realized it was Jesus on the shore, he covered himself and jumped into the water because he was ashamed of himself. Don’t be ashamed in the sight of Jesus, feel blessed for He loves you, and if you ask forgiveness, He will take you to the Lord.
Enjoy the warm weather, go fishing, go for a walk, meet new and old friends, or just set out in the sun and take in the beautiful world around you!
DON’T FORGET TO THANK A VETERAN AND ALL FIRST RESPONDERS FOR THEIR SERVICE!!
Benediction: “Gracious Father of us all, help us to be fishers of men, and cast our ‘nets’ in the right direction. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Thought for the month:
May the sun shine, all day long,
Everything go right, and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you,
And may all the wishes you wish come true.
an Irish Blessing for Health and Prosperity