John 21:7-8

John 21:7-8

Therefore the disciple that was being loved by Jesus says to Peter, “It is the Lord!”  Therefore after Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he fastened his outer garment around his waist, for he was naked, and he cast himself into the sea.  And the other disciples came by the boat, for they were not far from the land – about one hundred yards away – after dragging the net of fish.

{Note: in this passage, the word “naked” probably does not refer to complete nudity.  John specifically references Peter’s outer garments, implying that he still had on his underclothes.  This is why in many translations you hear the description “stripped for work.”}

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The unnamed disciple gets it.  He puts it all together.  They had been miserably unsuccessful all night.  Along comes a stranger and then suddenly everything works out better than could be expected.  It had to be the hand of the Lord.  There was no other rationale in His mind.  When the amazing happens, the faithful boldly recognize it as the work of the Lord.

Do you recognize the hand of the Lord at work?  How quick are you to announce God’s work when you see it?

Second Thought:

Again we have the impulsive Peter.  He sees the Lord and completely forgets the fish.  He leaves the boat behind him and goes to the Lord.  He jumps off the side of the boat and leaves his fellow disciples behind.  On one hand, this is commendable.  He is focused on the Lord.  On the other hand, this is impulsive and reckless.  Jesus has blessed them with an incredible gift of fish.  Peter leaves the work of God’s own hand and forces the rest of the disciples to deal with it.  Faith is inspiring; one dimensional faith misses the point.  Peter is so focused on Up that he completely forgets In and Out.

Why do you think Peter launches himself off the boat?  Why do you think Peter forgets about the fish and his friends to get to Jesus?

Third Thought:

The rest of the disciples drag the net to the shore.  They don’t give up.  They struggle with the boat and the net, grasping onto everything that the Lord has given to them.  This is why Jesus picked so many fisherman.  Following Christ is hard work.  It will drain you.  It will take all that you have until you learn to rely upon what God can give you.  The fisherman knew that lifestyle.  They demonstrate exactly the kind of culture Jesus was trying to create.  Hard-working and focused on both the blessings of the Lord and where He’s at work. 

Do you fit the culture of these disciples?  Are you willing to put it all on the line and give God everything you’ve got?

Passage for Tomorrow: John 21:9-14