As I read through John 21, the most powerful image I get is of the disciples still not really grasping the significance of Jesus' death, followed by his resurrection. As Garry mentioned a few posts ago, despite witnessing the extraordinary events involving Jesus, they were still content to revert back to their former way of life. Several visits by the resurrected Christ still found them hiding behind locked doors, and even after receiving the Holy Spirit in v22 of Chapt 20 and the command to be "sent out" in v21, Peter declares in v3 of Ch 21, "I'm going fishing". His companions respond with "We'll come too".
What I find equally as powerful though is the incredible patience and gentleness that Jesus displays here. He doesn't berate the disciples over their disobedience and sheer lack of faith, but seeks them out and provides them with an object lesson of his power and authority using elements they can readily identify with. Apparently throwing one's net out over the right side of the boat was culturally not the done thing and might have indicated the unconventional methods Jesus was going to have them employ in the future, and the 153 large fish that they caught represented the number of known countries at that time.
That same tenderness and patience Jesus uses again when questioning Peter about his level of love and commitment for Christ.
I'm really encouraged by the reminder of this deepest of deep levels of love and patience that Jesus expresses towards me when I consistently miss the mark and fall short of what is needed to serve him effectively. I pray that, like Peter and the rest of the disciples, my trust becomes such, that the shackles of fear, ego, earthly distractions, etc are removed, enabling me to serve him unequivocally.
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An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
3 comments:
I too am amazed at how Jesus responds to the silly words and actions from the disciples - the very ones who walked and talked with God in Jesus for many years. I guess we shouldn't beat ourselves up too much in comparison.
God has extraordinary grace towards us. As a loving father wanting to see his kids learn and do well.
God has a masterplan and the pieces are in place and he know all of the actions and outcomes so nothing we do is of a surprise to him and nothing will ultimately mess that plan up. I guess when you take that perspective you can understand his patience, but also feel his disappointment at times.
Thanks God I'm not in charge!
I know Jesus has to put up with a lot in me: my unbelief, unfaithfulness and self-centredness for a start. But I pray that just like the disciples he would consider me worthy enough to use for his purposes in spite of my frailty. I pray that he would be gracious enough to let me know where and how to throw out the net so that I too may catch some fish at his leading.
Mike, I too desire to follow "unequivocally"! :)
This is such an encouraging post. I so often feel like I have little to offer and that I should just go back to doing whatever I was doing before.
Jesus constantly has to put before me the challenge to not live as before. To fully live my new life under him rather then just Christianize my old one...
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