#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.