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Good and plentyFriday, April 25, 2014
John 21:7-8 The other disciples came to shore in the boat. They watched Peter run through the water and hauled in the net. They knew the fish needed to be stowed. They knew the boat needed to be guided to shore. They knew Peter was the crazy one. They knew Jesus wasn't going anywhere. Well, actually, maybe not that last ... John writes, "This was the third time Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead." These moments with Jesus were precious and few. How much did the boat matter? Weren't those 153 fish far less valuable than the pearl of great price? Jesus doesn't see it that way. He's not a Gnostic. Spirit does not trump body. Jesus is flesh and blood, Jesus lives with us on earth, Jesus is humus, human ... really. This man from God, this God-man knows we have to eat and so he feeds us. He might appear out of the blue and then vanish again, but when he's here he tends the fire, shares the bounty of creation, and gives us something to eat. And he laughs. Jesus laughs at Peter sloshing in the water, rushing up to him and falling in the sand. He laughs with the other disciples while they make their patient way to him. He laughs with me when I try the water in the pool and it's freezing, and I take forever to get in and then swim just two laps. He laughs when the sky is blue, he laughs when the thunderclouds clap, Jesus laughs and laughs and laughs. Jesus is alive! And he wills me to be alive too. Jesus is my friend. He will show me how to be me, not someone else; and he'll show me here, not in heaven. Now, not then. All of us, we are children of God and we are loved. Body and soul. Lord, I think singing, "Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the waters, put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea. Take a look at yourself and you will look at others differently." You show me who you are, and you show me who I am, and I can see ... I can see! |
Of course this is not the first time Peter came to the Lord on the water. Jumping, walking, sloshing, he wants to be with Jesus right now. Come high waters, Peter is coming through them. Whether or not the Red Sea parts, Peter is coming. I have always admired Peter. The other disciples did too. From afar.