Acts 9:1-22; Revelation 5:8-14; John 21:1-19

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Now what? This is the question we all have whenever we go through big changes in life. Graduation from high school or college. Dating someone new or even getting married. All the reasons to have the really big parties and invite all of family and friends to come and celebrate with you. There’s often so much excitement wrapped around the celebration of these big moments, but afterwards, the quiet is deafening.

Easter is one such celebration. We put so much into our Easter celebration that when it’s done, we just think, now what? How do you follow up an act so grand? It’s impossible! These large celebrations bring us the feelings of grandeur and purpose. They help motivate and shape our life. But when they’re done, we’re left with the monotony of day-to-day life.

This is right where the disciples were in our Gospel reading this week. Peter and the others had seen Jesus raised from the dead! They knew of his victory already, but Jesus hadn’t yet given them instruction in what they were to do. So, they were at a loss for what to do, just waiting around for Jesus to come again. As we read, “Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will go with you,” John 21:3. Not having anything else to do, Peter and the others fall back on their old careers and habits... fishing.

This isn’t to say that they were wrong to go fishing. Quite the opposite. Yet, it’s this common human experience of always yearning for something more. When things are quiet, when life is monotonous, we crave the glory and grandeur of those big celebrations. We want everyday to be important, but we know it just isn’t. And it’s also the experience of not knowing what to do next. We’re sinful humans. We can’t see what lies ahead for us or where our path will take us. 

Here the disciples were again, out fishing and having no luck. They hadn’t caught anything. Then Jesus comes to them standing on the shore, and says, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish,” John 21:6. From this, the disciples immediately recognize that it is Jesus standing on the shore, and Peter dives into the water to swim to shore to meet him. Once again, Jesus shows his lordship over nature with this miraculous catch. But he doesn’t stop there. As all the disciples get back to shore, Jesus had already prepared a meal for them. He proves again to be their crucified and risen Lord! Then three times, he asks Peter, “Do you love me?” By this, Jesus shows that it’s his love for them and subsequently, their love for the Lord that shall motivate all they do. Yes, the motivation of faith is love... love for our Lord who died for us and our sins, and now is risen from the dead! By faith alone, even small things become meaningful. The day to day life of the Christian is blessed through the love of God! 

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

O God, through the humiliation of Your Son You raised up the fallen world. Grant to Your faithful people, rescued from the peril of everlasting death, perpetual gladness and eternal joys; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!