Haven’t You Any Fish?
Scripture Reading — John 21:1-14
Simon Peter . . . dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.
Years ago we lived on the edge of a lake in eastern Ontario. We often took our fishing poles out to see what might be swimming in the water. Some seasons were better than others, and we released many sunfish so that they could grow bigger. Some bass ended up in the frying pan, but we certainly were not experts.
The fishermen in today’s story were experts. They didn’t know who was calling out to them from the shore, but they knew what it was like to try fishing on the other side of the boat. Yet on this day they were not sure what to expect; they had been fishing all night and had caught nothing.
These men had also had a rough time lately. They had been following Jesus, the Messiah, but they were confused with the outcome. Jesus had died and risen again, but Rome was still in control. What was the Messiah up to?
Then, after throwing their nets on the other side and getting so many fish that they couldn’t haul the net in, something triggered in their minds: “It is the Lord!” (See Luke 5:1-11.) Eventually they dragged their overflowing net ashore, and it was not even torn. A reminder that God can do more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Today Jesus wants to remind us that he has called us to follow him too. What is Jesus up to in your life? In your neighborhood? Your community? Your area? Is he calling you to trust him again like you did when you first met him?
Lord, thank you for your abundant love as you keep calling us to love you and others. Amen.
About the author — Beth Fellinger
Pastor Beth Fellinger is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has more than 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. She and her husband, Barry, have created a missional community in their neighborhood called the Ugly Couch Cafe. From serving coffee at a blue picnic table on their front lawn, to praying with neighbors, to hosting faith gatherings on a weekly basis, the Ugly Couch Cafe has grown—and nothing gives Beth greater joy than introducing people to Jesus.
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