We continue our study of the Gospel of John. Picking up at verse 7, chapter 21, we hear and read the words of the Apostle as he writes:
“Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off), and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish,153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask Him, ‘Who are you? They knew it was the Lord.” (John 21: 7-12)
We walk in a turbulent time today. Something has happened in our world that we do not understand. Thousands and thousands are becoming ill, and thousands are dying from this coronavirus that seemed to come from no where, and that in a matter of weeks has multiplied to be in all of the world. Some predict that millions will be infected and that millions may die from it. This we do not know, it is in the Lord’s hands. We know that God is Good, always, and does not bring that which is bad upon His children; but as the Word teaches in Job, He does permit things to happen that He will use to teach, and ultimately bring Good from. The Good News is as given in Romans, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) We are in the midst of something incredibly bad if we focus on the horror of it. But if we live in expectation of something good that God will bring to those who love Him, we live in His Peace as we wait upon Him to reveal it. He is with us in all things.
Such was the case for the Lord’s disciples in our scripture today. They were in the midst of a time that brought confusion, now and in what lay ahead. But then the Lord appeared, and through normal circumstances – like having breakfast with them – He showed them He was with them. As they listened to Him, He told them where to go, and what to do receive what they were looking for. He was there to Fellowship with them, and to reassure them, and also to talk to Peter. Purpose. He always has purpose.
Let us go forth and do what is necessary at the moment. Let us do what we need to do going forward in faith and trust in Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let us walk with Him blessed in His Perfect Peace, and Unconditional Love, knowing that good shall ultimately come, and we shall see it, and say :”It is the Lord.”