John 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing…..

If you’re unfamiliar with this story, I encourage you to read John 21:1-14 (which can be found at the bottom). I, however, was stopped right here two weeks ago when I read Peter’s declaration these friends and confidants. “I am going fishing… He didn’t have to say another word. So, I share these thoughts:

1. What does this scripture SAY about me, Lord?  

I’m not much different than Peter; I have the same trauma response.   

OK, Let’s paint this picture quickly of what has Peter here at this point of the text.  The Disciples have just been through a world win of emotions in a short period of time.  They had walked the streets of Jerusalem behind Jesus, the Messiah, the King who had chosen them by name to be with Him and to reign with Him in His Kingdom.  The entire city was a blessing, praising, and honoring Him as they entered Jerusalem, and they were there to witness it all.  It was finally coming to pass. They had been with Him for nearly 3 years, and they were about to see the thing they had been waiting for: Him to be Proclaimed King and them to be raised up into leadership, probably the highest positions of power they’d ever been in.  

Only to see that entire dream be crushed, ripped away, and completely destroyed in a night.  The arrest, the beating, the humiliation, and ultimately death of Him who they were following, Jesus.  What a turn of events; now they are on the run for having the same relationship that was about to put them in charge of everything.  Not to mention, their friend and mentor, their Messiah, was gone.  They are completely devastated.

Then now, in the midst of their grief, they find the grave is empty.  Confused but excited because this would Signify that Jesus has been raised from the dead (they remember what He did for Lazarus).  Or is someone playing tricks? Is this all a lie?  They are not quite sure what is true and what is hopeful imagination.  They hide in this room, where they are scared, they will be killed next.  Then appears their savior, Jesus.  He is alive; what relief, what joy, what confusion.  Oh, let us hug you, only to be told no, I’m not here for long, leaving, and putting you in charge.  Wait What???

2. What ATTITUDE in my heart do You want me to change?

It is OK to be overwhelmed, exhausted, and out of sorts.  You can be human!  We feel like we have to be Superman because we are Christians with a growing relationship with Christ.  We have to power through.  

Look at Peter, his emotions are all over the place.  There is so much to process; maybe he should see his therapist.  Face it: Peter is overwhelmed and does not have the answers.  Everything he thought to be true was just flipped on its head.   In that situation with a broken heart, an unsure future, and a new position he didn’t think he would ever be in… Peter does what we all often do when physically, spiritually, and emotionally overwhelmed.  We go back to that thing that brings us a sense of normal.  That place, that person, that poison, whatever it is, whether healthy or dangerous.  It is an Escape from the present chaos.  Often, that place we went to before we met Jesus.

3. Abba Father, what lesson do You want me to LEARN from this?

For Peter it was Fishing, what is it for you?  For me, it used to be women (familiar or random) or maybe food and never really alcohol or drugs because I watched that damage many around me growing up.  I sought the women for the affection I needed (and never really got as a kid). I sought someone to hug me, maybe rub my head, and tell me it would be OK.  But back then, it came at a cost because that affection was associated with sex, porn, or masturbation.  The other go-to was having a favorite food or meal (that reminds me of a time when life was joyful/peaceful).  Both actions proved to be damaging to me, my relationship with God, and the purpose He’d created me for.  For Peter, it took him back to the place where he had no faith (toiling all night and catching nothing).

4. How do You want me to APPLY this scripture to my life? 

When we find ourselves in the same situation as Peter, it is normal to feel it in our flesh first.  However, our response should always be to get to Jesus.  There is a song by Stephen Hurd, a gospel singer who used to be my first real church’s praise and worship leader.  The title was Lead Me To The Rock.  The song’s first verse said “When my heart is overwhelmed, my prayer is, lead me to the Rock (my solid rock).  We need to get to Jesus so we have a safe space to be truthful.  Peter was going through a difficult time, but his mindset was to retreat to what was familiar.  Fishing was what he was doing before he met Jesus; what was I doing before Jesus?  What brought me peace back then?  Why go back to satisfying my flesh when I have a Rock to settle myself on?  The above-mentioned song goes on to say, “Lead me to The Rock, that’s higher than I, oh Lord.”  Jesus will remind us that His ways are not ours, not His thoughts like ours.  His plans are trustworthy even when we cannot understand what is happening.  We need to lean on the firm foundation of Christ, the Solid Rock.  

Guess where Peter was now: in the same boat that he first met Jesus.  It was where he would first encounter Christ and find his faith. It was where Jesus knew he and the other disciples would be.  Jesus knows us, what we do, where we go, how we respond, and He always shows up for us.  People don’t always show up, but Jesus does.  Even though they were lost and unsure about what was next, Jesus showed up!!!  Share what you are feeling, where your heart is at that moment, what your emotions are feeling like, what you are afraid of, because when you do, like for Peter, you will find Jesus is waiting for you, arms wide open and with the very thing you are “fishing for!!!”

John 21:1-14. https://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/john/21.html