Today’s Reading: John 21:7 (NIV)
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
Good morning!
Does it take a miracle for us to recognize the risen Lord?
It is miracle that I woke up this morning. The simple fact that I have been given another day is a gracious gift from God. As I lay in semi-conscious slumber, I heard the rain beating in gentle rhythmic movements against the shingles on our parsonage roof. Rainfall births new life; we need the water so that soil will be fertile and ready to receive new seed. Springtime rain fills our rivers, increases our water supply, and prompts tiny seeds to grow and sprout into grass, flowers, and vegetation of all kinds. It is a miracle when tiny raindrops fall.
Which miracle was greater that morning when the disciples saw their Lord on the shore? Was it the fish in their nets or the risen Savior standing on the bank, waiting for them to come to Him? Do we need to see a miracle first in order to know that the Lord is alive and here with us now?
A baby’s tiny yawn; the love we receive from a devoted furry friend; the blessings of family, especially the quirky ones, who light up our lives with joy and laughter – all of these are miracles. The birds know it this morning; as they sit under soggy tree limbs drenched in the chilly rain, they sing their praises to the Lord in sweet harmony. We have a nest in our ornamental pear tree just outside my front window. It won’t be long before little baby beaks will emerge from the warmth of its twig bed, waiting for mama and daddy to feed them. New life is a miracle, but if we are not careful, we may miss recognizing the gift that has been given.
One disciple, the disciple whom Jesus loved, recognized the Lord first. Was it the familiarity of a great catch, or the voice of the one calling to him? Was it the miracle that made the Master real, or was it the Master who made the miracle real?
What miracle will it take for you to recognize the Lord Jesus Christ today?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
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