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Saturday, April 16, 2011

Abandon All

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.”
They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately[a] got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 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.”
6 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.

John 21:1-14

This passage brings several questions to my mind. 
1) Why as Peter and the disciples were fishing did they answer a stranger (who called them children) and obey him? Vs. 4-6
2) Why was Jesus' identity hid from them?
3) Why was it John who first recognized Jesus and not Peter? Vs.7
4) Why did John not plunge himself into the water as He shared who the stranger was? Vs.7
5) Why did Peter put on his outer garment and jump into the sea? Or better yet why was this detail mentioned in this passage?

I believe one important part of this passage is Peter's abandonment of himself to come to Jesus.  We know from Scripture, Peter was impulsive with his mouth and actions.  Acting on impulse is not always the most wisest thing to do.  But I believe in the passage listed above it was quite wise, for it shows complete abandonment to Christ.  Peter did not reason his actions out.  He grab his clothes and jumped into the water.

I wonder about us.  When God reveals Himself to us-What is our response? Do we reason it out or do we leave it all to follow/worship Him?

I am a reasoner - I can be and have been impulsive which has gotten me in trouble many many times. Life experience has taught me to slow down, be cautious, be safe and reason.  But when it comes to Christ-His ways-His calling upon my life, I must throw all safety aside as Peter did and plunge myself into the water. For waiting on the shoreline is the intimate personal relationship my heart is longing for!

How about You?

1 comment:

Aaron W. Matthews said...

I like the fact that you are a reasoner, but your faith is evidenced in the action you take. Your faith has works. Your prayers have legs. You want to be obedient rather than jumping at the first opportunity! When you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is God, we must all dive in head first. Good stuff, Bobbie!!