Let's Get Breakfast

How do you respond when someone invites you to breakfast? It probably depends on who’s asking.

In John 21, we find one of the most tender moments after the resurrection. Peter and the others have gone fishing. Back to what they know. Back to what feels familiar. A return to what feels safe.

They fish all night.  Nothing. Eight hours. Empty nets. Empty hands. That’s frustrating when it’s your livelihood. That’s how you feed your family. That’s how you pay the bills. A whole shift with nothing to show for it? Exhausting.

Then at daybreak. A voice cries out “Try the other side.” One more cast. And suddenly the nets are straining with fish. in that moment everything changes. John whispers, “It is the Lord.”  Peter jumps in and begins to swim for shore.   

Jesus was closer than they thought.

Here's the question I've been grappling with this week: How did Jesus know they were on the lake?

They didn’t organize a prayer meeting.  They didn’t send up a flare.  They didn’t go searching for Him. They weren't calling or looking for Him. How did He know.

Because He was looking for them. And maybe that’s a word for us.

When you’re exhausted. When you’ve gone back to old patterns. When you’re unsure what’s next.
When you feel like your efforts are producing nothing.   He’s not distant. 

He’s on the shore. He sees.  He knows.   He may even be calling out directions, but sometimes we don’t recognize His voice.   Still… He’s here.

When the disciples were in the storm, He was with them.  When He gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28, He promised, “I am with you always.”   When we are weary and heavy-laden in Matthew 11, He says, “Come to Me.”

And then comes the most beautiful part.  Jesus already has a charcoal fire burning. Bread laid out.  Fish frying. And He says: “Come have breakfast.”

No rebuke for Peter’s denial.   No lecture about faithlessness.  No reminder of their failure. No I told you so.  Just a simple invitation. “Come and have breakfast.”

Maybe this week you feel like your nets are empty. 

Listen carefully.  He still sees us. He is still looking for you & I. He is calling you not to quit. It's Jesus inviting you to “Come sit with Me.”  No shame.  No guilt.  Just grace over a warm fire.

Friend, listen for His voice this week.  Look for Him on the shoreline of your ordinary moments.

He is closer than you think. 

See you Sunday!
Pastor Mike 

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