More than these Week 17, 2017

This isn’t what was initially planned as the write up. But it is a burden right now. After Jesus had risen from the dead, within the 40 days of His appearing and teaching, Peter decides to go fishing. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." Jn 21:3(ESV). Could it be there was no food at the moment? So he wanted to do the honourable thing to provide? Was it that since Jesus had died it was all over? “Let’s get back to ordinary living”? We are not told (does it really matter?) but as happens with Peter some go along with him. It was fishing he left to follow Jesus; now he is going back to it. Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Mt 4:20(ESV). 

Beloved what will make you go back to what you left to follow Jesus? Hunger, disillusionment, or protracted recurring unanswered prayers? Jesus handled Peter and the erring apostles with great tact and gentleness. Not with harshness but great love. I am fully convinced it is God’s pattern for handling similarly affected saints. Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "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. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread Jn 21:5, 6, 9(ESV). Jesus repeats the miraculous great catch of fish with extras: the net doesn’t break this time, and breakfast is already waiting (Have you noticed how God gives sufficient food to erring men of God and then rebukes and redirects them? Remember Elijah?). It is after the meal that Jesus asks Peter questions. "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" Jn 21:15(ESV). More than these: more than what? The Greek word is applicable to persons or things. "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?"(GNB) I see Jesus in this also asking Peter if he loved Jesus more than fishing and fish. More than profit, more than abundance of food, “food security”. Put your name there and hear the question directed to you by the Lord. “.... lovest thou me more than these?”

Is this not why we compromise, why I turn my back on age long teachings and callings? Is not this the root of struggles? Yet I see Jesus quietly saying “I give you this and even more”. Think of the patriarch Abraham. God came to him and offers him Himself. Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward Gen 15:1(ASV)  And Abraham’s response? And Abram said, O Lord Jehovah, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless Gen 15:2(ASV)    Well we know God did give Abraham that child by Sarah, but we also see God asking Abraham “Do you love Me more than these?” in asking years after for the sacrifice of the same Isaac. "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." Gen 22:2(ESV).  We know Abraham’s answer. I know God is listening to your heart for your own answer.