Daily Devotions
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. John 21:4
Recently we celebrated an Easter Sunrise visit at the empty tomb. But what happens after Easter on a regular day? John presents a dramatic story occurring at the Sea of Galilee. The disciples have returned to business as usual – fishing. When we return to business as usual, Easter often recedes into the background. The routine often discourages us. We may feel cut off from a close relationship with the risen Christ.
John describes a sunrise visitor who asks the disciples to throw their net on the right side of the boat. Amazingly, the net fills with large fish, 153 to be exact. The risen Christ appears at sunrise unrecognized, on a routine day to help with a routine problem. Note the response of two disciples. John has the spiritual insight to say, “It is the Lord!” Peter takes spiritual action by jumping into the water and heading for shore.
When the risen Christ appears to us on our ordinary days, God first gives us spiritual insight to see Him as our loving, powerful Lord and Savior. He also moves us to spiritual action by making us eager to respond to His call. Jesus helps us with our daily problems. Through regular worship, prayer, and study of the Word we recognize Him. Through attention to the needs of others we serve Him.
The risen Christ and the disciples then experienced a breakfast reunion, with a meal prepared by Him. How strengthened they felt! Our sunrise encounter with the risen Christ helps us remember our fellowship at the altar and anticipate the heavenly feast. Jesus fills our routine with the joy of Easter morning.
PRAYER: Thank You, dear Lord, for helping me with my daily problems. Guide me to notice the needs of others so that I may help them. Amen.
(Devotions from “My Daily Devotion” by Dr. Stephen J. Carter, copyright 1988 CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. For ordering information, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit www.cph.org.)