The Transforming Presence of Jesus – Tues 18 Sept 07

At the end of John’s gospel there is a story with a very human beginning but a divine ending. Peter and many of the other disciples have seen Jesus in his resurrected form, an amazing experience, but not yet life changing. Peter has not yet been restored following his betrayal and the Holy Spirit’s has not yet come upon them.

Feeling himself to be at a bit of loose end, and in a ‘what do we do now’ sort of way, Peter reverts back to familiar routine. ‘I’m going out to fish’. (John 21:3) he declares and the little gang of would be world changers, fishers of men, not of fish, take an about turn and head off for an all night fishing trip on Galilee.

They might have been tempted to think ‘well at least we know what we’re doing here, we can catch fish, but who of us knows how to change the world’. But it turns out they can’t even catch fish any more. They have a fruitless night and as dawn breaks a stranger on the shore gives them directions. ‘What does he know about catching fish?’ they might have wondered. Rather a lot, as it happens.

Recognising the presence of Jesus, they come ashore, sheepish and silent and Jesus restores them physically, by inviting them to breakfast; spiritually, by re-commissioning them beside the fire. So much of the scene would have reminded them of that first day when he stopped by their boats and called them for the first time.

Today, do you remember what is God called you to do? What vision did he put in your way? Don’t give up and turn back and think ‘it’s hopeless’ I’ll stick to what I know. Jesus is present, he’s standing beside you. He wants to restore you and re-commission you.

Pray today for those taking the survey into New Bilton, pray that nets will be cast in fruitful places.