“Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.

John 21:12

Your Encouragement

You took six of your colleagues with you on the fishing trip last night. I don’t know what your preoccupation was at that time, but I thought your Master had closed that business on you already. Remember some three years plus ago, on the same shore?

“Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”  (Matt. 4:19).

So, why did you go back to that old trade again?

Whatever the appeal or reason for your relapse, you realize there is nothing in your old life for you again. That was your lesson in disappointment this morning until this person showed up at the shore.

“It’s the Lord!” John said.

Now, look at you! Suddenly, the great catch of fish does not mean anything to you.

You put on your tunic and jump into the water and head for the shore. Your Master means everything to you at this moment. The rest can have everything. Isn’t that progress toward restoration?

Jesus is full of surprises. A merciful and gracious God that He is, He has come to deliver you from yourself and to refocus you.

You find breakfast waiting for you, “fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread” (Jn. 21:9). You sit down over a hot meal with your Lord, on the shores of the lake from where He first called you at the beginning of your life’s journey with Him. Isn’t that wonderful?

The Psalmist calls Him his Shepherd who refreshes His stubborn and weary sheep (Ps. 23:3). How true it is here. Your Shepherd has renewed your strength this morning after a tiresome and fruitless night’s travail. That is the heart of Jesus, your Lord.

But there is one more thing He knows is weighing heavier on you, and He will deal with it very soon.

Your name is Simon Peter!

Have you learned anything yet?

Shalom, and good morning.