Would you still check the blog even if there were no new photos? I have to admit that I only read articles that contain photos unless they really reach out to me. So, I can't blame anyone for skipping this segment and waiting till we take pics of something really interesting, like vacation! (Coming in MAY...) I might have had some pictures to take of our first Easter in Central Asia except that I was in bed with some random bug. (And you really don't want to see pictures of that!!!) Anyway, Brian went on to our house group which was celebrating on a nearby beach -not a problem for me knowing that it was cold and really cloudy. I spent the time in needed rest and reflection in the Word.
I was drawn to a passage in John 21. This event took place after the resurrection. Everything about the situation in this event is amazing to me. On the beach, out at sea, looks a little like the first calling of the fishermen when they were asked to lower their nets on the other side. Here they were returning to work after a possible 3 year hiatus. They had labored into the early hours just like before in Luke's gospel. Someone on shore hollered for them to cast on the opposite side of the boat. Someone they should have recognized but didn't. They obeyed, and (just as before), the harvest was huge. Only this time, John records two new things that occur. First, he mentions the number of fish gathered in the net. Second, he notes that the net didn't rip or tear even though the catch was very large. I have read a number of commentaries on this passage and it's significance. Details really fascinate me. I'm glad God thought it was important enough to have it written down as well. The commentaries I read were a little vague on the significance of the number of fish mentioned in verse(if anyone knows or would like to shed light on this , please respond in the "comment" section) . However, the fact that the net did NOT break symbolizes complete restoration in the lives of all these men and that can only come through obedience to a resurrected Savior. This whole event was centered around restoration and new direction. Every part of it was designed to cause them to revisit their first calling in Luke 5. Only now there is a marked difference in the conversations that follow this miracle. They are all changed. Perhaps in those first hours of dawn on the shore with the Lord, they were able to reflect on the last 3 years as Jesus served them breakfast and broke bread. What a beautiful picture! I imagine there were a few moments of awkward silence as they remembered past failures and as they realized that He could see their thoughts. Everything has come to light in those moments of reflection. Now it is all brand new. But Jesus isn't finished yet. He knows what Peter is dealing with as they gaze into the fire. He then begins to restore Peter so that he is free from guilt of past failures. Free to honor and completely serve Him as Lord. Being completely emptied in order to bring Him the most glory. Peter and the other disciples experienced this in an amazing way. Once again He invites them to "Follow Me." This time within the power of His resurrection. Completely emptied, completely empowered. That's how we should answer His call to follow Him.
I was drawn to a passage in John 21. This event took place after the resurrection. Everything about the situation in this event is amazing to me. On the beach, out at sea, looks a little like the first calling of the fishermen when they were asked to lower their nets on the other side. Here they were returning to work after a possible 3 year hiatus. They had labored into the early hours just like before in Luke's gospel. Someone on shore hollered for them to cast on the opposite side of the boat. Someone they should have recognized but didn't. They obeyed, and (just as before), the harvest was huge. Only this time, John records two new things that occur. First, he mentions the number of fish gathered in the net. Second, he notes that the net didn't rip or tear even though the catch was very large. I have read a number of commentaries on this passage and it's significance. Details really fascinate me. I'm glad God thought it was important enough to have it written down as well. The commentaries I read were a little vague on the significance of the number of fish mentioned in verse(if anyone knows or would like to shed light on this , please respond in the "comment" section) . However, the fact that the net did NOT break symbolizes complete restoration in the lives of all these men and that can only come through obedience to a resurrected Savior. This whole event was centered around restoration and new direction. Every part of it was designed to cause them to revisit their first calling in Luke 5. Only now there is a marked difference in the conversations that follow this miracle. They are all changed. Perhaps in those first hours of dawn on the shore with the Lord, they were able to reflect on the last 3 years as Jesus served them breakfast and broke bread. What a beautiful picture! I imagine there were a few moments of awkward silence as they remembered past failures and as they realized that He could see their thoughts. Everything has come to light in those moments of reflection. Now it is all brand new. But Jesus isn't finished yet. He knows what Peter is dealing with as they gaze into the fire. He then begins to restore Peter so that he is free from guilt of past failures. Free to honor and completely serve Him as Lord. Being completely emptied in order to bring Him the most glory. Peter and the other disciples experienced this in an amazing way. Once again He invites them to "Follow Me." This time within the power of His resurrection. Completely emptied, completely empowered. That's how we should answer His call to follow Him.
