The Miraculous Catch
Scripture Reading:
John 21:6-14
6“ He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.”
Devotional Thought
I have only been fishing a couple of times in my life, but in those couple of times I’ve never caught any fish. My mom, however, has a natural skill for catching fish and even came third in a fishing competition a year ago.
The times I have been fishing, I didn’t spend more than two to three hours on the boat trying to catch a fish. I can barely imagine the exhaustion the disciples must have felt after casting out their nets all night long. Although I can’t fully relate to the disappointment of the fishermen, I can relate to making many attempts at something I’m believing for in faith only to see an empty net or a shut door.
The disciples had caught nothing after toiling the whole night, they were disappointed and left feeling tired and hopeless. Fortunately, when Jesus suddenly appeared, things changed for the fishermen. Sometimes all we need is for Jesus to step into our situation for everything to shift.
The disciples had been busy trying to catch the fish on the left side until Jesus suggested they throw their nets to the right side. When they obeyed this simple instruction, all of a sudden they caught plenty of fish, so much that their nets broke.
You may be thinking the Disciples had Jesus to guide them, who do i have in my moments of fruitless endeavour? Well Jesus knew that he would not be available always in person to the disciples and to us and so he told the disciples of his great plan, He was not going to leave them alone with no guidance or Power to depend on. He announced to them that he would send The Holy Spirit who would be with them (and us too) to help us not to depend on our own Strength might or wisdom. The Holy Spirt is the one who is the game changer when we have been striving.
We can get so used to a certain method or routine, while our breakthrough may just be on a slightly different route, or require a change of method or a higher power or strength than our own. We need the divine Guidance from The Holy Spirit in all that we do.
Reflection
1) What area in your life do you need Jesus' divine guidance? Do you know that Jesus has given you the Holy Spirit to guide you and empower you?
2) Can you trust the Help of the Holy Spirit that Jesus has sent to assist you through disappointments and weariness, as well as bring about a turnaround ?
3. Read John chapters 14 through to 16 and discover the plan that Jesus had in making sure that you would not be troubled but have the help you needed through his Holy Spirit
Prayer
Jesus, I thank you for giving me access to the divine guidance of your Holy Spirit in my life where I need a turn around. I ask for your supernatural wisdom, strength and guidance for the breakthroughs I need. I pray that you would help me to trust you and your ways today.
You are the God of the miraculous, you are my Jehovah Jireh, my supernatural provider.
amen.
Worship Time: