John 21- What a simple life...

I’ve been contemplating, and even at times frustrated with being “content”. Yet these past few months it’s been quite amazing because of the times I’ve spent with God, He has shown me life should be simple. In other words, how we apply what we learn about God should be simple.

In John 21, Jesus encounters the disciples for the third time after his resurrection. It is at this time that the disciples are still someone raw from the events that just passed. However to calm their aching hearts from missing Him, Jesus reappears when they go fishing. The essence of this story is beautiful. The disciples are fishing, all day & all night, yet they catch nothing. They’re tired and weary from a full day & night’s work. Jesus all of sudden comes into the picture, being God he knows their labor, and yet still asks them, “Children do you have any food?”. Probably not really grasping it was God himself speaking to them, they answer no. One disciple did notice something peculiar, and dived head first into the ocean to swim to Jesus.

After this Jesus suggests that they put their nets to the right side of the boat. After doing so, they caught so many fish, it was almost impossible to pull the net up. When they finished with counting & packing the fish, Jesus waits for his disciples with a ready camp fire, fish, and bread, right in time to announce ‘it’s time for breakfast!’

What a simple gesture of love. Although we may toil day-in and all night-out to accomplish the things we may believe are of utmost precedence, God announces to us, what have you really accomplished for me? Have your motivations brought you any edification, or fruit? If not, it’s time to turn to me. Simply, I can call the fish, and they will come. I can give you rest, and you will be made whole.

Our God is a simple God. He desires for us to receive great things, but ultimately, he calls us back into retrospect in order for us to gain balance in life, and to look back and see, no matter what situation we face, day or night, He can provide. And even after he provides an abundance, he can still provide the small necessities in life as well like a warm campfire.

No matter how “simple” we may see our blessing may be. The complexity of God’s merciful and loving nature will be something we won’t ever be able to comprehend. However, his mercy and love is always abundant and available for all to receive. That in itself is simple enough.

~Christina