John 21. This chapter is thought to be written by John as an epilogue for very specific reasons. One, is to clear up the rumor that John was appointed to not die before Jesus' return. Jesus didn't say that. He said, "what if I wanted him to stay alive until I return?" to Peter, as if it was none of Peter's business what He has in store for other disciples. The other was to validate Peter's ministry. This is very important because Peter's reputation was ruined. Everyone knew he had blown it and denied Jesus three times. He was at an all time low. And was about to get even lower when Jesus shows up.
Jesus told the disciples to meet Him on the mountain, but instead they followed Peter's lead to go out fishing. This should remind us of the dangers of following a bad influence. Peter went back to the old life. The old life is never the same as Satan makes it seem to be in your mind. It's never as good as you once thought it was. Don't go back to the old ways. Stay with Jesus and keep moving forward, following Him in faith. In the dark, all night, they caught nothing. That's the way of going back to the old ways. It's fruitless and provides nothing. This may be the only account of fishermen telling the truth when they responded to Jesus asking if they had caught anything. "Nope", they replied. Ha! You would expect a fisherman to tell a "big fish" story!
Ah, but the glory of the morning dawns and Jesus is on the shore of the sea, calling out to them. He knows where we are and what we are doing. We may be very close to having success in our occupations, marriages, and ministries. These disciples were a mere 4-5 feet from success. Jesus tells them to throw the net on the other side of the boat and they make a huge haul of fish. So, hang in there in your situations. You may be very close to success and don't even realize it.
Jesus already has everything we are looking for and want. He was already on the shore, had fish on the fire, and bread to go with it. We should be looking for Him to provide the satisfaction that we long for when we engage in so many different pursuits, whether it be entertainment, pleasure, riches, etc. Let's make Jesus our source of real satisfaction in this life. Everything else is counterfeit and temporary. This is a big part of following Jesus. There's a huge difference between Sonship (being saved) and Discipleship (actually following Jesus). Many folks have been converted or come to belief, but haven't been obedient to follow Him and do what He says. So, not all Christians are disciples. I believe in the exclamation point as penned in verse 19. I want us to let Jesus roar this command like a lion into our very souls, "Follow me!". He's saying that you and I must individually follow Him. No one else can do it for us. We must reckon with the choice by ourselves. The Way has described it as denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Him. I believe those steps are in order. If you can't deny yourself, which has been described as the very most difficult thing for a man to do, then you cannot expect to take up your cross, much less follow Him. Let's get this right.
God was able to use Peter because he made things right with Jesus. Let's get right with Him. Notice, Jesus does His miracles with only the things we have at our hands, whether it's a clay vessel, a wooden staff, dried out fish, or whatever. He takes what we have available and turns a miracle. He can use what you have and turn it into abundance and overflowing.
So, we see God as the God of second chances. We should be so very thankful about this truth because it is available for us as well as it was for Peter. Remembering last week, it should be Easter every day for us disciples. Has it hit you that Jesus is alive and lives in you? There is power in realizing this. He specifically chose 7 out of 12 disciples that were fishermen by trade. He knew fishermen were tough, resilient, and patient characters. He knew they would need these traits to become fishers of men in ministry. We need these qualities as well.
So what is He saying to you that you haven't obeyed yet? What has He been speaking to your heart to change? Are there other things you love more than Jesus? Do you even like Jesus? Are you essentially committing adultery by engaging in hobbies, interests, other relationships, or your occupations more than loving Jesus? Decide to obey what He is telling you in your heart. Do it. Really, actually do it. Let's love Him more than all this other worldly stuff. Let's get fulfilled by our Savior only and then let's go out and feed His sheep. He still wants to use you. Even as Jesus called Peter by his old name, "Simon", which means "shifting sands", He restored him back to full service. "You mean you still want to use me, even though I have failed You?" Yes, Jesus still wants to use you, in spite of your human nature and failures. It's grace and it's amazing.
