Nougat 16

Can you imagine Peter opting to go fishing after Jesus died (actually was after the first sightings post-resurrection, which makes it worse)? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.” ‭‭John‬ ‭21:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What’s so bad about fishing you might ask? Nothing. Except fishing represented the old life. That’s what Peter and his brother did prior to meeting Jesus. All the others seemed to think it was worth pursuing. But why though? Going fishing says God’s purpose no longer has bearing on their lives; because it was the total opposite of Jesus’ invitation to them! We might recall Jesus telling the freshly-minted disciples, ’you will no longer catch fish from now on …’ in Luke 5. Did the phrases ‘no longer’ or ‘from now on’ have no bearing on them?

Or was it that the disciples felt fearful and rudderless, so they forfeited the call upon their lives in exchange for uncomplicated, safe and familiar pursuits? We might be disappointed in their actions but if we were honest we would admit that we sometimes seek to revert to our old ways after being disappointed spiritually. Like Peter and the disciples, we know the power of Christ’s resurrection – some of us even have firsthand knowledge – yet we opt to disbelieve the promise!

Maybe the disciples were at loose ends – their hero was gone and no one knew what was going to happen next. I believe we have been in those liminal spaces before; in our early spiritual moments with Jesus, or after a major crisis, such as unemployment, betrayal, divorce or death. But it was different for them, we argue. The disciples were with Jesus for three years! Some of us believers have been with Jesus for much longer before crisis struck, and we are still unable to figure things out.

But reverting to the old life profited the disciples nothing! I guess it passed some time. That’s about it. They did not catch even one fish! It underscores Paul’s premise that embracing Christ puts paid to the old life (2 Corinthians 5:17), which may present a challenge when our faith is at loose ends.

So what do we do in such situations?

I propose we

– Acknowledge our feelings to ourselves

– Confess them to God

– Share with an accountability partner

– Keep praying, praising, pressing until something happens

for though Jesus might seem to be missing; He has NOT forsaken us.

Just because we can’t see Him doesn’t mean Jesus isn’t up to something. If we believe otherwise, we will be frustrated and that accomplishes nothing. A seed doesn’t transform into a tree overnight, so let’s stay focused on our purpose on purpose.

I pray God’s tangible grace upon us in trying times. Let’s not go fishing.

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May all we seek be found in Christ