Tag Archive | fish

First Priority

May8

But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. So Jesus *said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved *said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish.
John 21:4‭-‬8 NASB

This encounter in Scripture takes place between Jesus’ resurrection and His ascension. This is Jesus’ third appearance after His death.

What was Peter’s focus when he realized it was Jesus on the shore? Jesus!
Peter couldn’t wait to get to Jesus; to be in His presence. He was so intent in getting to Jesus that he ran, literally swam to Him. The catch of the day was long forgotten.

In contrast, where was the focus centered by the remaining disciples when they became aware of Jesus on the shore?
The catch of the day. Granted this was a blessing from Jesus Himself but they were more focused on the blessing than on the Blesser.

Aren’t we like that too? Sometimes we get so caught up in the blessings God gives us that we forget to recognize Him as the Blesser of all we have, need, and often times want. We take for granted the blessings He bestows on us, His children. Especially the everyday blessings like a roof over our head, food on the table, good health, loving family, good friends and so on.

How much time do you spend in your day focused on your Savior, Jesus Christ? How much of your day do you share with Him, spend time with Him, seek Him? How much of your day is Christ focused, Christ centered?

Simon Peter did not neglect the blessing, he just chose to make Jesus his first priority.

🌹Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.
John 21:11 NASB

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

Amazement

Oct22

When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; — Luke 5:4-9

It is amazing what God can do when we obey and let Him work through us. This testimony of Simon Peter’s encounter with Jesus tells us just that. Peter worked, along with others, all night and caught nothing. Under their own power they worked very hard through the night. I am pretty sure they felt defeated, tired and lacking hope. What changed that next morning? Jesus instructed, they obeyed and the outcome was plentiful.

They were amazed and Peter humbly fell down at Jesus’ feet. God’s power is bigger, better, stronger and more productive than ours. Our reliance on Jesus as He works through us will keep us amazed at what He can do with a willing, humble and obedient heart and soul. Do you want to be amazed? Let Jesus work in you.

This amazing event was only a taste of what Jesus had planned for Peter and the disciples. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” (Luke 5:10b) Can you only imagine what our Lord can do through you to catch men for His sake? These fish that Peter and the others caught are slim pickins compared to what Jesus can do through us to reach a lost and dying world.

Be amazed!!!! Start by obediently following the Lord Jesus.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon