Showing posts with label fishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fishing. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Fish for Breakfast














“I’m going out to fish,” a weary Peter told his friends. (Jn. 21:3 NIV) Several eventually joined him and they spent a long night in a boat without catching anything. Then, Early in the morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize it was Jesus. (v. 4)

People often fail to recognize God when they are discouraged, so we should not be surprised that the disciples failed to identify Jesus after His death and resurrection. It wasn’t until He filled their nets with fish—met a pressing need—that John identified Him. (v. 7)

But Jesus did not stop with a revelation—even a glorious one. And He did not stop after giving them the miracle of overflowing nets. He also invited them into His presence—invited them to join Him. Jesus said, “Come and have breakfast.” (v. 12b)

If we are overwhelmed by problems, we can remember He is with us. We can also ask Him to give us a revelation and meet our needs. We can even ask Him to bless us with His Presence.

Originally published June 1, 1984.
Picture: Persian Gulf from the shore of the United Arab Emirates, 2007. Photo by Marta.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Paying the Temple Tax
















The issue of paying the temple tax was a problem. Collectors wanted Jesus to pay but they didn’t dare approach Him—they knew He couldn’t be snared by legalism. Instead, they asked Peter who replied off the top of his head, “Yes, he does.” (Mt. 17:25 NIV)

Poor Peter. He answered without looking into the matter and committed a diplomatic faux pas. For as the Son of God and as Lord of the Temple, Jesus did not pay the tax.

Jesus came to the rescue for His friend by providing the money in a unique manner: Saying He didn’t want to offend them, Jesus directed Peter, the former fisherman, to fish with a line, unusual for a man accustomed to nets, and to look into the mouth of the first fish he caught. There he would find a coin. “Take it and give it to them,” Jesus said, “for my tax and yours.” (Mt. 17 27b NIV) It was a private miracle between two friends.

Originally published October 2, 1981.
Picture: Quilt by Patty. Photo by Solveig.