Saturday, May 17, 2014
John 21:9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
A TRUE FRIEND
They had just finished a full night of fishing on the Sea of Galilee -- with nothing to show for it. Peter had wanted to go fishing and a number of other disciples had gone with him. But all their throwing of nets, hauling of nets, and rowing around the lake had produced nothing.
Then the man on shore had told them to cast the net on the other side of the boat. Ha. Good joke. But cast they did. And their nets were filled to the brim. When they reached the shore, their suspicions were verified. It was the risen Lord.
There Jesus was and next to him was a little fire of burning coals with breakfast on it. Just the thing for a band of hungry fishermen.
This is the kind of Savior that we have, folks. One who not only takes care of the big things, but also thoughtfully tends to the little things.
One of the chores of the day's-end fisherman was to repair all the little breaks in the net that the night's work had produced. But today, Peter and company found that the nets were whole. Experienced fishermen knew this was a miracle. Each little strand--whole.
This is the kind of Friend we have in Jesus. One who never misses a prayer, or forgets a concern. He knows them all, and tends to them with the wisdom of the Omniscient One, and the love of the Crucified.
Jesus came there to, once again, show He was truly alive after being dead. That was the main gift he gave them: His presence. But how could we miss the compassion, thoughtfulness, and patient love that emanates from Jesus here?
When your night is long and fruitless, remember that Jesus is watching from the shore. He knows. He loves. And He'll use His power at the right moment--so you can see that He is your truest Friend.
