Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Breakfast with Jesus
In John 21 we read about the third time Jesus appears to the disciples. I find it interesting that they were out fishing. Why would they go out and fish? Were they still wondering about whether Jesus would want to be around them again?

I’m going to tell the story in my own words and add some comments as I go along. It was early in the morning and they had been out fishing all-night and their lack of success was obvious by the way their nets hung limp against the boat. Jesus was walking along the shore and the disciples did not realize it was him at this point. He calls out to them asking them if they have any fish. They tell him that they do not and he encourages them to try the other side of the boat. They cast their nets to the other side of the boat and suddenly their nets are straining with fish, so much so that they cannot haul the net into the boat.

Suddenly John realizes that it is the Lord. Did his memory bring him back to the first time they had met Jesus and how their nets had been filled with an overabundance of fish. Peter in all of his enthusiasm jumps out of the boat so he can swim to shore to be with his Savior and Friend. They were only about a 100 yards away from shore and yet Peter could not wait!

The disciples come to shore towing their fish and as they come they notice a fire of burning coals there with fish and bread on it. Can you smell the “fragrance of grace” in the air? Jesus tells the disciples to come and have breakfast and He serves them.

Once again Jesus shows them grace, love, acceptance, and He takes care of them.

Someday we will stand before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I don’t know about you but I have a lot of sin in my life. I know that my sins nailed Jesus to the cross. And I know that when I see my Lord face-to-face, I will feel a joy beyond my understanding. But at the same time I will remember my sins as well and remember the price that Jesus paid. Sometimes I think we sit in to harsh of judgment on the disciples and how they acted the night Jesus was betrayed. The cold hard truth, my friends, is that we are no different than them.

When the time comes for us to stand before our Savior, and we look into His eyes, they will be filled with an unconditional love that will move us to tears. We will know that all has been forgiven; Jesus does not keep a record of our sins. They have been removed as far as the east is from the west. Jesus will look at you and at me, and I believe He will say, “Come and have breakfast.” Can’t you just smell the “Fragrance of Grace?”

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Dear Michelle,

This was good too. We love you very much.

Love always, Dad and Mom