FIRST CHURCH OF PALM COAST

                                                                                                                                                                                                    May 16, 2025

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. 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. 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. – John 21:4-7

 

This Friday’s text illustrates how Jesus re-engages disciples in ministry after they have abandoned his call on their life. For the disciples in this text it was a return to business as usual. Jesus had not done what he had promised and so they had gone fishing. These disciples had yet to dedicate themselves to the business of spreading the good news. So Jesus did what he always does…He Came to Them! Jesus makes his presence known by coming to us. If God’s got something for you to do…he’ll come to you. This text says that contact with the Risen Lord is initiated by him! Jesus comes to us.

Not only does Jesus make his presence known by coming to us, Jesus calls us. This text says that when the disciples failed to recognize Jesus he “called out” to them. When Jesus has a job for you to do…he calls you. In the middle of your work day, he calls you. In the midst of the mundane, he calls you. Just when you think you’re ready to retire, he calls you. That’s what he did to these 7 disciples… They thought they were finished; they thought they were through; they thought the messianic mission was buried with the messiah and so they went fishing. But he called them.

This text also illustrates that Jesus makes his presence known by “coordinating for us”. Jesus works things out for his disciples. – He’s a great coordinator. Jesus can coordinate his universe for the benefit of those who answer his call.

That’s what he did for the disciples. They were fishing on the wrong side of the boat and not catching any fish. They couldn’t go back to their families broke so Jesus used a bit of his divine insight to reverse a fruitless fishing trip into a bountiful catch. When it looked like all was lost for the disciples –Jesus took control of nature and coordinated things for his children.

That’s what Jesus will do for you when he wants to make his presence known… He can coordinate things for you. Will you allow him to work things out for you?

​

Yours In Community Transformation.

​​

 Rev. Gillard S. Glover

 

​​

If you like to receive the weekly devotional by e-mail please submit below.

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​