Did You See Him?

By Pastor Jim Deck

In chapter 21 of John there is a wonderful revelation that is often overlooked by the reader unless one sets their mind on looking for the great things of how God reveals Himself. The chapter starts with several of the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias going out to fish in a small boat. This in itself is interesting seeing the disciples "going fishing" in the wake of Jesus crucifixion and death. They had been instructed to "wait" for further instructions by Jesus earlier and yet they find themselves "fishing". They had been fishing all night and had absolutely no luck in catching any fish. Then Jesus, Himself, calls to them asking if they had any food. They respond to Him that they haven't when Jesus tells them to try the other side of the boat. The rest of the story we know as the disciples catch so many fish they are unable to reel in the nets.

Then the exciting revelation takes place as the disciples discover that it is Jesus on the shore proclaiming, "It is the Lord!" Simon Peter in great excitement places his outer garment on and leaps into the water to swim to the shore to meet Jesus. The remaining disciples bring the boat and net full of fish to the shore to meet with Jesus. Jesus then invites them to "Come and eat", as they all gather on the shore.

What was amazing was the disciples had no luck in catching any fish until they obeyed the Lord's command to try the other side of the boat. When we obey the commands of our Lord we receive the blessings of our obedience. Have you made that discovery? Have you struggled in the things of this life being far from the obedience God has called us to? The separation from God due to our sin causes us not to hear the commands of our Lord. If you are not a Christian God wants you to know that there is salvation for all those who call upon His name. Romans 5:8 states, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Often we go through life without knowing the one true God that has a plan for our life. We struggle day after day not realizing there is something so much better for us until we "see Jesus". Just as the disciples in the boat didn't recognize Jesus, receiving nothing for their efforts, until they recognized the Master on the shore.

This Easter season can be a season of abundance for you if you can allow yourself to "see Jesus" coming into your heart. Seeing and recognizing Jesus Christ will open the opportunity for not only a fulfilled life, but an eternal one as well. Won't you give Him entrance into your life today?

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