ESOCS Devotional 17 May 2022
TEXT: JOHN 21:1-14
MEMORY VERSE: “And He said unto them, cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.” John 21:6 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
“I go a fishing,” Peter declared. Then the rest of the apostles with him concurred. This decision may have expressed the discouragement of the disciples following the event at Calvary. Jesus their Master had just been killed disgracefully. Could this be pointing to a seemingly failed prophecy? Could it have pictured them as unserious men, driven to and fro by every wind of change? What with the “wasted” business years that could have turned some of them into financial successes? These might have been some of the puzzling questions in the hearts of these great men of God.
To them, the day-dream was over. It was time to pick themselves together and go back to realities. Just then, Jesus appeared to rekindle their hope and interest in the kingdom project. Besides the kingdom enterprise, Jesus, for the second time proved to them that no successful business could actually take place without His presence.
, as St. Paul proclaimed, nothing is qualified to separate us (believers) from the love of Christ. Not even threat to life, nor famine, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers. No, nothing whatsoever. (Rom. 8:38-39). Oddly enough, many of us believers today are like these pioneer apostles. At the slightest provocation or temptation, we tend to want to give up. But let’s be reminded that the road to the kingdom is a very narrow path (Matt. 7:13-14). It is a hard, rough road to travel (Psalm 116:10); but the end thereof is filled with thanksgiving and joy (2 Cor. 4:14-18).
Therefore, brethren, learn to move forward ever and faint not. Always looking to Jesus – the author and finisher of ourfaith (Heb. 12:2). Finally, before you make that next business move, lift it up in prayer. You shall surely experience abumper harvest, with Jesus leading the way.
- You have followed Jesus for years and nothing much has been achieved materially. Do you think that is enough reason to turn back? Ponder over.
- Lord Jesus, I have decided to follow you to the end. Please show me where to cast my net for a bumper harvest.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: 2 Kings 2:1-15; Jeremiah 31:1-14; Ephesians 2:1-10
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ESOCS Devotional 17 May 2022
