Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Invitation
to Christ' hospitality
“I am
going out to fish,’ Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.’
– John 21:3b
There is a beautiful statue of Jesus in
Germany that had its hands destroyed in the bombings of World War II.
Instead of replacing his hands, the local people put a sign nearby that read,
“I have no hands but yours.” Someone writing about the relationship
between Jesus and his followers wrote, “You are the feet with which he walks to
do good, You are the hands, with which he blesses the world.” These are
just another other way of expressing what is written in 2 Corinthians 5:20,” We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God
were making his appeal through us…” Ambassadors represent their
government, usually for a particular assignment or mission. We are
Christ’s ambassadors here on earth. We are to represent Him, we are to be
His hands and feet, working for Him to accomplish the mission that he has entrusted
to us.
Many people believe that when Peter said “I
am going out to fish,” he meant that he was returning to his former life and
former occupation. His decision influenced his colleagues who said, “We
will go with you.” We should always remember that we have a great deal of
influence on the people around us. We can either bring them closer to God
or take them further away from God. Despite the risen Christ’s
appearances, they were quick to abandon the mission that Christ had given
them. But Christ would not abandon them. He would not give up on
them.
The passage here is similar to an event that occurred about three years ago (as
recorded in Luke 5:1-11.) In that passage also, Simon and some other
fishermen toiled all night and did not catch any fish. But when Jesus
came, they caught so many that their nets began to break. Then Christ
tells them, “Not to be afraid, but from now on you will be fishers of
men.” So in the passage from John 21, when a similar incident takes place,
Jesus is reminding his disciples of their call. They are called to be his
disciples and participate in God’s redemption of the world.
Too often like Peter and the other
disciples we are tempted to return to our old way of life and abandon the
mission of Jesus Christ. But just as Christ would not give up on the
disciples, he will not give up on us. We are his ambassadors, we are to
represent him and work for him in being fishers of people. We are to help
them, teach them, and show them the way of the suffering savior.
Prayer: Dear
God, enable us to be faithful ambassador for us. Enable us to be
your hands and feet on this word. Enable us to participate in you mission and
be fishers of people. Amen.
Thought for the day:
“May the love of the Lord Jesus draw us to Himself. May the power of the Lord
Jesus strengthen us in His service. May the Joy of the Lord Jesus fill
our souls.” (William Temple)
Rev.
Shibi Abraham, Oklahoma MTC