John 21 begins at least nine days after the resurrection. John records it as Jesus’ third appearance to the disciples. Most scholars believe that John 21 is where Peter is restored; it’s often referred to as Peter’s recommissioning. If you search out Peter’s forgiveness for the three-part denial, you always get the three-part “do you love me” story in John 21, which makes the opening of John 21 that much more interesting. As the chapter begins, Peter takes some of the guys fishing. They are out all night and don’t catch a thing. As they are coming in, a guy calls to them and tells them to cast on the other side, and John recognizes that it’s the Lord. Peter jumps in the water and swims 100 yards to shore! Then, when he gets there he helps haul in the huge load and they all have breakfast.
The thing that challenges me the most is how excited Peter was to get to Jesus. I don’t know if he still had some ‘splainin’ to do or not. He threw himself into the sea and swam to His Savior and Lord, like a moth to the flame. Like Jesus was his PRIORITY!
In the ‘70s I wrote a story wherein I postulated that an archeologist digging up our homes would assume we worshipped the televisions. Now I wonder if it wouldn’t be our cell phones or our coffee makers. I want to live making Jesus and His Word my priority!
Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my groaning.
Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God,
For to You I pray.
In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice;
In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.
Psalm 5:1-3
Grace Notes 