When Jesus appears to the disciples after His
resurrection in Galilee, they are following Peter back to fishing. Jesus calls to them to try the other side of
the boat for fish. They catch so many
that they can’t lift it into the boat, but the net isn’t torn. Torn is the word
schism. Jesus makes Peter and the apostles fishers of men, and the net doesn’t
break. This is a prediction and an
exhortation to the future church. The
number of believers, now in the billions, won’t divide the church, but our
divisive hearts may. This table is one
place to mend the nets. Set things right
with your brother or sister before coming here, or resolve to start that
process today.
The
disciples had no food, they could catch nothing with Jesus’ power. And so it is with us. Jesus invites us to eat and refresh ourselves
here, regardless how much or how little we have worked for Him. Some of us have worked our tails off this
week for others. Some of us have enjoyed
that work as honored guests. Remember
that we all receive grace and honor because of the work of Christ. We don’t deserve it, but He gives it anyway,
to feed and heal and strengthen the body.
Mend the nets.
6/1/14
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