Day 21
Reading: John 21
So here we are at day 21. The final day of our reading challenge, the final chapter of the Gospel of John and the final day before we celebrate Easter 2016!
What a journey it’s been!
I really hope that you’ve been blessed by this challenge, by what you’ve read in the Bible and these blog posts that we produced to go alongside; but more than blessed, I hope you’ve been encouraged, challenged and inspired!
The vision of this reading challenge was not just that you read the Word of God, but that you looked at how you can apply the truth of the Bible into your everyday life.
In this final chapter, John 21, I want us to look at one simple sentence, in the middle of the chapter. The disciples have been out fishing, but caught nothing. Jesus calls to them from the shore and gives instruction of where they should throw their nets to catch some fish. In doing so, they caught more than they could even haul
NB. Even when you can’t seem to get what you need in your own strength, always follow the words of Jesus, He’ll bless you with more than you imagined.
The disciples returned to shore, pleased with their miracle catch, but still tired and hungry after a night-shift on the boat. As they climbed off the boat, they could smell something cooking, as they looked up they saw Jesus by a fire with plenty of provision for them all. As they walk over, Jesus issues a simple invitation, “Come and have breakfast”.
There’s nothing revolutionary in these words. There’s no profound teaching or brilliant parable, it was just a simple invitation to join Him. To a group of hungry, tired fisherman, it sounded like a great invitation.
As we finish our 21 day reading challenge that has lead us through the month of March, all the way up to this Easter weekend, I want you to realise that Jesus wants to extend the same invitation to you. Now don’t get me wrong, Jesus isn’t camped out in your front garden every morning, with a camp fire and some fresh bread. (Although that sounds awesome!) Jesus does however invite each one of us, to spend time with him each day. To take a few moments in His presence, before we really start our day.
Nutritionists would tell you that breakfast in the most important meal of the day. In order to be at your best in the coming hours, it’s essential to feed your body with the right balance of nutrients that it needs for the day. What Jesus shows in his invitation to breakfast with the disciples, is that He wanted to spend time with them. This was one of their last moments with Him, before he returned to Heaven. Jesus wanted to just take a few moments and spend time with those he loved.
As Christians, I want you to understand that breakfast with Jesus, is just as important as your morning cornflakes! The day ahead can be full of joy, worry, success, failure, decisions, promotions and everything else that life throws at us. The decision to take a few moments in the presence of Jesus, means that you start your day the best possible way.
There are many things you could do in just ten minutes each morning. (If you’ve got longer, that’s great!) The basics are obviously to read your bible and pray. Acknowledging Jesus and His Lordship in your life, will help you to create a spiritual foundation to your day. Keep reading your bible, ask God to show you how you can apply it each day. Pray about the big stuff and the little stuff. God always hears and He always cares.
This reading challenge has been great, but don’t let today be the end of it. Let it become just the start of your greater journey in God!
Easter Sunday
Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. Make sure you’re with us at 11am in Richmond as we celebrate the greatest miracle of all, the resurrection of Jesus!
Why not take a moment today to pray and invite someone to come with you to Church tomorrow. It could be the day your friend or family member starts their journey!
Contributed by Ps Ben