Apparently, it had been a discouraging night.
Peter, along with six other disciples of Jesus had gone out to fish.
Morning had dawned with nothing caught.
Nothing at all.
But that was about to change....
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, havent 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!"
(John 21:4-7a)
What emotions were the disciples experiencing in the previous few days? Jesus had been crucified. He had risen from the dead. He had appeared to His disciples twice. Now, He was standing on the shore, with them once again.
We have all had discouraging nights--discouraging days, as well. Times when things just dont make sense. Fishless endeavors with what seems to be wasted effort.
But, are we listening?
Is it possible that we might hear Jesus voice calling to us, asking us to try something a little different?
"Friends, havent you any......?" You can fill in the blank.
If the answer is "no," are we willing to listen for His instructions?
Are we willing to throw our "nets" on the other side?
Isnt it exciting when we realize who is on the shore?
How all consuming are the words, "It is the Lord!!!"
