TUESDAY: JESUS REDIRECTS OUR OBEDIENCE
KEY PASSAGE
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
DEVOTIONAL
After a long and exhausting night of fishing, the disciples remain discouraged and empty-handed. They struggled and worked all night putting out nets, in their favorite spots that always produced a catch, but as dawn broke, their nets were empty. Jesus showed up on the scene and the disciples did not recognize Him. He inquires about their catch and instructs them to throw out their nets on the right side of the boat and they will catch some fish. They followed His instructions and caught so many fish that they were unable to bring in the net.
Oftentimes, in our efforts and work we become discouraged and disappointed when there is no fruit as a result. We work hard without recognition, striving for the promotion that we may never receive, studying endlessly for an exam that we end up failing, starting up a business venture that never quite takes off, or trying to build a family without success. This is how the disciples felt after a night of fruitless work. But, Jesus shows up the next morning and the disciples listen to His instructions, even though they don’t understand.
Our typical response would be to complain, “There is no sense in putting the nets out on the other side of the boat, we have fished all night without success.” But, the disciples didn’t complain or try to make sense of the instructions, they obeyed. They aligned themselves and their work with God. Obedience changes everything! And as a result of their obedience, they received a tremendous blessing.
CHALLENGE
Jesus is present in our everyday routines, seasons of waiting, in the quiet of an early morning and even in our disappointments. Have you acknowledged the presence of God in these spaces?
The challenge today is to invite Jesus into these spaces of your life.
Spend a few minutes in prayer and ask Him: Am I in alignment with His will and purposes for my life? Are there any areas that I am choosing not to listen to His voice and instructions?
Where should I cast my net today?