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What are we going to do with all these rotting fish?!

Friday, March 28, 2008

John 21:2-14
Simon Peter announced, "I'm going fishing."

The rest of the disciples replied, "We're going with you." They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn't recognize him.

Jesus spoke to them: "Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?"

They answered, "No."

He said, "Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens." They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren't strong enough to pull it in. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!"

When Simon Peter realized that it was the Lord, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea. The other disciples came in by boat for they weren't far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it. Jesus said, "Bring some of the fish you've just caught." Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore--153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didn't rip.

Jesus said, "Breakfast is ready." Not one of the disciples dared ask, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.

Jesus then took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus had shown himself alive to the disciples since being raised from the dead.

Jesus never seemed to have trouble finding food to eat. The Bible doesn't mention hungry disciples; they didn't even fast. Food multiplied when they shared it with each other. And now the nets are suddenly full after a night of nothing. The other side of the boat, indeed! Peter was a professional fisherman. He'd tried both sides of the boat.

But he didn't say a word to the stranger on the shore; he just tried it again. And this time ...

What do you do with that many fish anyway? When Jesus met him he told Peter he would make him a fisher of men. That time is fast upon them. What will he do with all the men and women who are about to become followers of Jesus? How wide can he spread his arms? How much love does he have to give?

Jesus fried fish and bread, and gave it to all of them, and then they washed it down with living water. Jesus was ready to provide his disciples with everything they needed. So maybe a better question would be, how much love are they ready to receive?

Seashore beaches exert a powerful draw on people. They are beautiful, peaceful and also mysterious, perhaps because they mark so clearly the end of something and the beginning of something else. Jesus' time on earth has nearly come to an end. Peter and the others have no idea what is coming. Jesus wants them to open their arms wide and be ready.

When you ask me to love others, Lord and offer me everything I need to do that, I want to open my pockets and my bag and my arms, and receive.



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