THE STORY OF JESUS: John 21:1-14
“As soon as he heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he jumped into the water.” (John 21:7)
As a Jesus follower, my heart longs to be where Jesus is.
Jesus is not with us physically, but He is still with us actually.
The Spirit of Jesus conveys the personal presence of Jesus to us.
Not only is Jesus with us always, He also shows up in special ways.
For me, Jesus has shown up in special ways when I’ve walked in nature.
I have also experienced Jesus in a special way through my journalling.
(I don’t sense Jesus as often in church, mainly because I have a job to do).
But Jesus does show up when Jesus followers meet together.
So when Jesus ‘shows up’, do I show up, am I eager to be with Him?
Once Peter realizes it is Jesus, he dives in.
After denying Jesus, he felt distant, disconnected, and defeated.
Now Jesus shows up, and nothing will stop him from reconnecting.
Do you look for the Jesus moments, do you ‘dive in’ to have them?
Where is Jesus showing up, but you are not… are you eager to see Him?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I want to be with You, I want to sense You with me always. Help me to be as eager as Peter, and to dive in to those opportunities and places where I know You will show up.
Would it be possible to use this image of Peter for a sermon illustration?
Yes, by all means.
Jesus shows up when least expected. Here the disciples are back to their old routines – fishing, just like when Jesus first called them. Once again their eyes were opened and they saw and ran to Him. In my daily living I also need to run to Him with my disappointments, setbacks, trials. I need to be like a little child and realize that Jesus is the answer. I need to walk and talk with Him each day anew for He is my strength and power to enable me to go forward in His name. He encourages. He empowers His followers when we least expect it. He is always there.
In doubt and temptation I rest, Lord, in Thee;
My hand is in Thy hand, Thou carest for me;
My soul with Thy counsel through life Thou wilt guide,
And afterward make me in glory abide.
Refrain
My God, I will extol Thee
And ever bless Thy name;
Each day will I give thanks to Thee
And all Thy praise proclaim.