Provision / John 21:1-25

Can you feel the chill in the morning dampness as the night fishing ends? The men are cold—one is soaking wet—as they come off the sea, welcomed by the crackle and warmth of the campfire and the smoky aroma of fresh bread and roasting fish. (By the way, where did those fish come from? Jesus had them all ready for the crew.) Welcomed by their Friend who was ready to provide what His followers needed—not just “pie in the sky” but food for their stomachs. As if He knows what it’s like to live in our skin. (Tender Lord!)

Don’t you love that someone counted the fish? Not “an amazing number,” or “over a hundred,” but 153. And they were large and the nets didn’t tear, as might be expected with such a large catch. Jesus provided specifically and miraculously, above and beyond what they could have expected-or caught for themselves. (Tender, Abundant Lord!)

Seven men enjoyed the meal with Jesus. Doing the math, 153 plus the fish Jesus already had cooking, divided by seven, equals a couple dozen large fish for each disciple. More than enough for breakfast, with enough to take home to the family and more to sell. These men, with the needs of the day covered, would have more time for ministry. (Tender, Abundant, and Practical Lord!)

And then Jesus gets personal with Peter, providing clarity and focus. Jesus does the same for us. Inviting us to breakfast, He provides all we need and more (far beyond what we can do for ourselves!), freeing us to do what He asks us to do—the specific work He designed us for—and advising us to leave the rest (“What is that to you?”) to Him. (Tender, Abundant, Practical, and Freeing Lord!)

And I, well-fed and free, hear Him saying this morning, “As for you, follow me…”

Can you hear Him too?

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your tender, abundant, practical and freeing provision! Help me to follow You today. Show me where… show me what… show me how…