Gone Fishing

GONE FISHING? Have you gone fishing lately? John 21:1-14 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." In life some of the greatest times of despair come after some of our greatest times of victory. Some people call it a let down; others know that the enemy looks for great moments of opportunity. In this passage of scripture we see that it can happen to anyone. Let’s consider what these men had experienced over the last three and a half years. 1. They witnessed countless signs and wonders, including healings; even people raised from the dead. 2. Their expectation of a new kingdom introduced by a new king. 3. Betrayal by a trusted friend. 4. Peter’s denial of knowing Jesus. 5. The crucifixion of Jesus. 6. The resurrection of Christ after they had just witnessed His death three days before. 7. His manifestation to them several times after His physical death. Is it interesting that after they witnessed all these things they finally came to a point in time when they thought it was all finished? They came to a point when they thought, we have seen it all, and we have had a great run. However, now it is over, so let’s go back to what we know: Let’s go fishing! (We should remember that several of the disciples, including Peter were commercial fisherman.) How many times in our lives have we had great victories only to become discouraged afterwards because the excitement and joy withers away? Today, we see too many men and women of God turning away from ministry and going back to what they use to do. The problem is that when we go back, life will be like what Peter and the six other disciples experienced. They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. Once having tasted the goodness of the Lord, is there life, peace, and joy in turning back? Note the question Jesus asked His disciples. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?" They answered Him, "No." Jesus asked, “have you any food” and their answer of “no,” reveals to us the real issue. There is no satisfaction in the past. Satisfaction is only founded in the hope of Christ and hope is a confident expectation of what is to come. It is so important for us all to remember that during times of attacks like those of discouragement or despair, that we consume the food what brings us hope.

Matt 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. The word filled comes from the Greek word chortazo and it literally means to gorge (supply food in abundance) or to satisfy. John 6:35-38 And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. As we consume the Bread of Life, Jesus, the Word made flesh, during the times of famine, discouragement and despair, we will come to a time of refreshment, a time of hope and satisfaction. Just as Jesus made Himself present to His disciples, the Holy Spirit will make His presence known to us. John 21:6-14 (cont’d) And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught." 11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast." Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are You?" — knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. 14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. As we read the rest of this passage, one very important point comes to light. The disciples did what the Lord told them to do, “cast the net on the right side” and the harvest was great. The point is this, when we look beyond our despair, fix our appetites on Jesus, respond to His commandment and look to the harvest, the reward will be great and our joy will be made full. John 4:34-38 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: 'One sows and another reaps.' 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors." Love and blessings to all, In His Service,

Dr. Rod and Maggie Have these messages been a blessing to you? Please forward the blessing on to other friends and family.

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