April 16, 2012

Follow Me!

John 21:1-23

The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”
—John 21:7

— 

It’s Monday, and the routine of another week has begun. You may be reading this before you head off to work or at the end of the day before going to bed.

Some of Jesus’ followers had gone from Jerusalem to Galilee to meet him (Matthew 28:10). While waiting for Jesus there, Peter decided to go fishing, and the others joined him. But no matter how hard they tried, they caught nothing that night.

Jesus met them the next morning and reminded them of some important life lessons. These lessons apply to us as well.

First, in giving them fish, Jesus reminds us that all our abilities are a gift from God. Second, of all the things we have in life—such as our friends, family, jobs, or possessions—nothing is as important as our relationship with Jesus. Third, in our everyday normal ways of life we are called to follow Jesus. Nothing and no one should distract us from that pursuit.

How can we keep our focus on Jesus in the normal routine of life?

Begin by knowing that Jesus loves you. He made us and died to heal our brokenness.

Then turn to Jesus and say, as Peter did, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you” (John 21:17).

Finally, trust Jesus to fill up the nets of your life. Let the “new normal” in your life begin!

Lord of our life, fill our nets to overflowing so that we may serve you with joy as we serve those around us. In your name, Amen.

About the author — John Van Schepen

Dr. John Van Schepen is a retired pastor who served churches in Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oregon and California. He and his wife, Willie, have been blessed with five children and several grandchildren.

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