October 10, 2024
Andrew Thompson
Dunbar Cave, Campus Pastor
John 21:5-6
Jesus called to them, “you don’t have any fish, do you?” “No,” they answered. “Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” he told them, “and you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish.
Do you remember when you were young and unable to do anything on your own? It might be a distant memory, but you relied upon someone for everything from food to a place to sleep. You brought almost nothing to the table in the relationship besides being an object of their affection. As you have aged, perhaps the roles have flipped and now you are the one who does all the caretaking. Our relationship with Jesus is unlike our relationships with our parents or caretakers from our infancy in that we only ever bring our need to Jesus. From the beginning of our relationship to our maturity in the faith we never arrive at the point of bringing anything but our need to our savior.
This post resurrection fishing scene harkens back to a similar one you can read about in Luke 5. In both instances, these trained fishermen that are called as disciples are struggling and yet catching nothing in spite of their expertise. In both cases Jesus shows up and miraculously causes them to bring in a tremendous catch! Both miracles illustrate that the disciples can only succeed through God’s power and provision. Jesus was just as in control of the sea of Galilee when they caught nothing as he was when they brought in the great catch. And he is just as in control of our seasons of emptiness as he is in control of our seasons of fullness. Jesus allows us to experience the struggle and toil so that we might see and rejoice in the wonderful beauty of his provision. As you read this today you might be in a season where you need a reminder that the ultimate provider of all you need is Jesus. Let us confess our trust in him regardless of what our life looks like this morning. You can trust Him in the seasons of emptiness and in the seasons of fulfillment.
Dunbar Cave, Campus Pastor
John 21:5-6
Jesus called to them, “you don’t have any fish, do you?” “No,” they answered. “Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” he told them, “and you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish.
Do you remember when you were young and unable to do anything on your own? It might be a distant memory, but you relied upon someone for everything from food to a place to sleep. You brought almost nothing to the table in the relationship besides being an object of their affection. As you have aged, perhaps the roles have flipped and now you are the one who does all the caretaking. Our relationship with Jesus is unlike our relationships with our parents or caretakers from our infancy in that we only ever bring our need to Jesus. From the beginning of our relationship to our maturity in the faith we never arrive at the point of bringing anything but our need to our savior.
This post resurrection fishing scene harkens back to a similar one you can read about in Luke 5. In both instances, these trained fishermen that are called as disciples are struggling and yet catching nothing in spite of their expertise. In both cases Jesus shows up and miraculously causes them to bring in a tremendous catch! Both miracles illustrate that the disciples can only succeed through God’s power and provision. Jesus was just as in control of the sea of Galilee when they caught nothing as he was when they brought in the great catch. And he is just as in control of our seasons of emptiness as he is in control of our seasons of fullness. Jesus allows us to experience the struggle and toil so that we might see and rejoice in the wonderful beauty of his provision. As you read this today you might be in a season where you need a reminder that the ultimate provider of all you need is Jesus. Let us confess our trust in him regardless of what our life looks like this morning. You can trust Him in the seasons of emptiness and in the seasons of fulfillment.
Posted in Daily Devos