Revealed this Way?!

S - "After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. (John 21:1-14 ESV)

O - What an amazing way for Jesus to reveal and confirm his resurrected self to seven of his closest friends and followers.  Fish, fishing, breakfast … very few words, big on presence and nonverbal communication (e.g. 153 large fish).  The entire exchange records one simple question and three simple sentences from Jesus.  Communication a child can understand. No theological reviews, tests on Scripture or even prayers for the food. They are together over breakfast and around the person of Jesus.  The conversation will increase and intensify after breakfast … after the revelation is completely accepted by the seven.  Religion puts its emphasis on protocol, environment and information.  Heaven puts its emphasis on presence, relationship and love.  The promise of Jesus remains to this very day: "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”" (Matthew 18:19-20 ESV) 

A - The seven spend all night fishing, not praying.  The result? A "bumper crop" of fish and a very amazing visit from Jesus. Religion taught me that exceptional visits must be preceded by exceptional prayers.  Jesus lived and acted the opposite.  After the miracle of feeding the 5,000 he goes to spend the evening in prayer (Matthew 14:21-23). After the whole town turns out and all are healed he's out by himself praying (Mark 1:29-35).   It's not that I should never pray all night, it's why I should.  Prayer is me making myself lovingly present to God … who is already lovingly present to me and already working everything for good (Romans 8:28).  Apparently there is a great need for being together all night to fish before considering all night to pray.  I'll believe Jesus; live and fish in agreement with my brothers and sisters, anticipate his visit and then look forward to an all-nighter with me making myself loving present to him.     

P - Lord who is love,

Today I'm looking forward living in agreement from fish to revelations … with your family … all who love you back.  I thank for giving us to each other in the same way you've given yourself to us; wholeheartedly and completely.  I welcome you and your kingdom so near to interface in and through my very little life unto all you already have in mind to do.  I say yes to you.

In you and your name,

Steve