Food Court.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” So Simon Peter, when he heard that it was the Lord, tucked in his outer garment (for he had nothing on underneath it), and plunged into the sea. Meanwhile the other disciples came with the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from land, only about a hundred yards. When they got out on the beach, they saw a charcoal fire ready with a fish placed on it, and bread. (John 21:7-9, NET)

In John 21:7, we read that Peter reacted quickly when he heard that it was the Lord who was speaking to the seven disciples who had gone fishing. It seems the boat was not fast enough for Peter: he jumped out and swam to shore, as the other six disciples followed in the boat. The narrative then makes an interesting point: When they got out, they saw a charcoal fire, fish, and bread.

After a long night of unfruitful works, the men were blessed with a breakfast served by the Lord Himself.

Perhaps there are situations we can look back on: issues with school, work (or lack of work), family concerns, or even needing the basics of food and water. Perhaps the depth of our struggles led us to say, “God, You’re taking too long… I have to work this out for myself.”

For some of us it may not be a past event: it might be today that we, figuratively speaking, are about a hundred yards away from shore. It’s just enough of a distance that we’re unsure if it’s Jesus we’re seeing. We, like those seven disciples, might not even recognize His voice calling to us. But the disciples’ confusion was immediately erased when they obeyed His instruction. There was the benefit of fish in the net, and there was an even greater benefit on the shore: Christ Himself, the Lord of Glory, present to share in fellowship with those He loved. He fed them. He feeds us.

Where do you find yourself today?

Are you out on the sea, making your own way?

The Lord loves you and has made provision for you;

Return to the shore of His grace.