#18 - Surprise Ending

SOAP #18 - Surprise Ending

Scripture:

The disciples went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore (yet the disciples did not know it was Jesus) and said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered, "No." He said, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they did what he said, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" John 21:1-14 ESV

Observation:

After the resurrection the disciples go fishing. As fishermen, they knew how to fish, but all night they caught nothing. When Jesus tells them to cast their net out again, they may have hesitated, thinking this would never work. But when they obeyed, they snagged a far bigger catch than they imagined. Their nets couldn’t contain all the fish. Then John understood—it was the Lord Jesus whose word they obeyed.

Application:

Sometimes in life it seems we try and try, making every attempt possible, but to no avail. This incident reminds me that God can do “exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). This miraculous catch of fish is a great reminder to never give up, even when nothing seems to be working. With God, all things are possible.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, keep my ears intent on hearing Your voice. Instruct me what to do in every situation. Give me faith and confidence in Your intervention and power in my daily life. I want to look at You and not at my circumstances. Amen.

Believing without "Seeing"

SOAP #17 - Believing without “Seeing”

Scripture:

Jesus said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe."

Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"

Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:27-29 ESV

Observation:

Thomas told the other disciples he had to touch the nail marks with his own fingers before he would believe Jesus was alive. But when Jesus appeared and offered his hands to Thomas, it seems that Thomas did NOT reach out to touch the nail marks. Thomas believed, and he responded with his heart: “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus said people are “blessed” who believe even though they haven’t “seen.”

Application:

How do we “see” Jesus today? Jesus calls us “blessed” if we place our trust in him without actually seeing him with our eyes. How do I obtain or develop the faith to believe in Jesus? The Bible says “by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I ask You for the gift of faith. Help me “see” You with my inner being. Let my eyes focus on Jesus and sense Your presence in my life. I believe. Help my unbelief. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Looking to the Example of Jesus

SOAP #16 - Looking to the Example of Jesus

Scripture:

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured . . . so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV

Observation:

Jesus endured the cross and despised the shame of all his suffering because of the JOY set before him. He knew all the suffering would be “worth it” in the long run because it would set us free from the bondage and destruction of sin.

Application:

When I look at the cross and what Jesus suffered, it is an example for me today. He willingly gave his life as an offering. He took my sin and wrong-doing, then he covered me with his holiness. He took my punishment and death, then gave me the gift of new life. Now I can “run” my race with endurance. I don’t want to be a quitter.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I thank You for the sacrificial life, death, and resurrection of Your Son. Wash me in His blood. Set me free from my selfishness and my tendency to grow weary as I run my race each day. Invigorate me with Your life. Help me not give up as I serve You and serve those around me. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.