John 21:4-6

Dawn was breaking – the night was giving way to light and the little party on the boat - through the misty grey - spies a figure on the shoreline. Seemingly unfamiliar to the disciples, the “stranger” gives a courteous and endearing inquiry about a simple matter of their daily life - "Friends, haven't you any fish?" Christ puts the question to them not because He remained in the dark regarding their needs rather that He would know their needs from them – issuing forth from their own mouths. He desires for all to come face to face with their own poverty.

10 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. Romans 3:10-11 (NIV)

Surely, our Lord’s query - at the very least – should have jogged their memories – particularly Peter, James and John’s - of another time when they were without a catch after toiling throughout the night. Luke records that incident for us:

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." 5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:4-11 (NIV)

“Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity of helping and saving.” Matthew Henry

I find it interesting that more often than not, Christ Jesus makes Himself known to His people when they are most at a loss. Sadly, we often don’t look up unless we have a need and one in which we believe we are incapable of handling. Never mind that we are incapable of handling anything eternal apart from His powerful hand! Gradually, in increments they could handle our Lord shows Himself to His guys. He begins by pointing them - through query - to their lack. Jesus always points us to our need in order that He might fill it – and fill it to overflowing, I might add. With Christ our cups overflow. He never gives stingily or sparingly. I am reminded of King David’s words in the Twenty-Third Psalm:

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalms 23:5 (NIV)

Indeed, earlier in John Jesus tells us He came to give us life in the full – contrary to the adversary who comes only to steal and destroy:

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)

Lastly, our Lord shows Himself to His disciples through His power. Instructing them to cast on the right side of the boat, they would then discover plenty of bounty. They who were going home empty handed would now be blessed by a great catch of fish. Christ’s orders were given with a promise in tow. How like Jesus! So many promises of Scripture carry with them an “If” - “Then” – this, of course, being indicative of our responsibilities. We are never the losers by observing Christ’s commands. Indeed, we are the great losers when we don’t. Christ manifests Himself to His believers by doing that which no one else can do. He mercifully and sweetly meets us individually in our own employments – whether mother or doctor or fisherman or handyman – sufficiently supplying and meeting our needs when our industry and ingenuity have completely failed us. His achieving power is our abundant relief – praise Him!

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalms 84:11 (NIV)

“God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning