ESOCS Devotional 30 March 2024 – The Right Side
MEMORY VERSE: “And he said unto them, cast therefore and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes” John 21:6
TEXT: JOHN 21:1-19
After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”
They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”
They answered Him, “No.”
6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.
14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
Whether in secular business or gospel ministry, there is a right way and a right side for success. For most businesses, books have been written to guide new entrants. Such books teach how to start the business, fiscal, technical and human resources needed, risks, challenges, and prospects. Many have followed such guidelines and succeeded; others followed and failed. The same way with the gospel ministry: some fail, and others succeed.
What is it that makes the difference between success and failure? Let us begin by noting that these were Galileans who were born and brought up as fishermen. Just as at the beginning of Jesus ministry before their call (Lk. 5:4-7), they had toiled all night and caught nothing until Jesus asked Peter to lunch into the deep and let down his net. Peter then obeyed and enclosed so much fish that the net began to break. There it was “lunch into the deep”, here it is “cast the net on the right side”. Where then is the deep and where is the right side? It has nothing to do with formulas in a book, knowledge, skills and experience. These are necessary assets for success in any business but the child of God must know that all those put together without the principle of the ‘’Right side’’ may avail nothing.
At the marriage in Cana of Galilee, the mother of Jesus said to His disciples: “Whatever he saith unto you, do it” (Jn. 2:5). In verse 7, Jesus said to them, “Fill the pots with water.” They did just that and wine, very fresh wine was provided in surplus quantity. The miracle of the coin from the mouth of a fish for tax payment was made possible because Peter obeyed the Lord’s instruction and acted on His word (Matt. 17:27). The Right side is at His word. The secret of success in all our undertakings is at His word. If you have not heard from Him concerning that business or ministerial challenge, you have to pray Him to give you His word of direction; and when He does, you better act on it.
The wise man said “Trust the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5-6). It is His promise to “instruct thee, and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go” (Ps. 32:8). If only you follow His direction, you will be operating on the right side. There, no failure can attend your efforts, only success.
- Do you have any challenges in your business or ministry? Get His word, act upon it and you shall succeed.
- Almighty Father, I pray thee, give me your word and direction concerning my business and ministry, in Jesus name.
Further Reading: Luke 5:1-7; 6:46-49
ESOCS Devotional 30 March 2024
