Camp Fire

John 21
As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there,
and fish laid thereon, and bread.
Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
John 21:9-10


LET IT GLOW

How relaxing and enjoyable it is to sit with family around the campfire on a
quiet, summer's evening, recalling the good ol' days and recent happenings of
the past year. My family charishes these times spent together at our annual
family reunion.

In this last chapter of the book of John, we have a similar setting. Peter and
six other disciples went "afishing." They caught nothing all night. Sound
familiar? Check out Luke 5. Then Jesus told the guys to put their nets out
on in the water on the right side of the ship, and they will find fish. (verse 6)

This time, the guys caught 153 fish exactly. Hmm, is there a significance?
Later, the disciples became "fishers of men" and catching souls for Jesus.

When they realize it was Jesus, here goes Peter again, jumping into the water,
but this time swimming to Jesus at the shore, not walking on the water toward
Jesus. When Peter arrived, Jesus had breakfast of  fish cooked on a fire of
coals and bread for His disciples. Jesus always took care of His friends. They
were wet, cold, weary, and hungry and got another good meal provided. Jesus
invited them to eat. Are they enjoying dinner with Jesus right now in heaven?
When Jesus invites me to come dine spiritually with Him, do I immediately drop
everything and go?

As they ate and Peter looked into the fire of coals, did he remember another
fire of coals, the one where he stood warming himself, but where he denied
being one of Jesus' disciples?
(John 18:17)

I wonder what is the significance of this story that it is recorded in the Bible?
Maybe it was a relaxing meal with the Master. Verse 25 tells us there were
many other things that Jesus did, which are not written down. Maybe it
shows that Jesus gives us another chance to serve Him after we fail Him, as
when Peter denied Jesus three times and preached mightily at Pentecost.
Peter denied knowing Jesus three times and Jesus asked three times if he loved
Jesus.

LET IT GROW

The story continues with Peter and Jesus taking a walk along the shore, waves
splashing against their sandles. Maybe not. It sounded good to say it.
Jesus had a good talk with Peter at any rate. He asked Peter if he loved
(agape) Him, twice.

Charles Swindoll, in his book, The Greatest Life of All, Jesus :

"Agape loves God first, loves neighbor as self, and loves enemies and friends
alike. It forgives faults and finds its highest expression when it is least deserved.
Far from impetuous, agape is a love that grows out of commitment."
(Peter answered Jesus that he phileo Him.)
"Phileo is a warm, heartfelt affection someone has for family and close friends."

The first time Jesus answered Peter,"Feed My lambs," and the second and third
time Jesus said,"Feed my sheep."

In verse 17, Peter told Jesus,"Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I
love thee."  Did Peter hold his broken life out to Jesus to take and use, since it
was all he had to offer the Savior? That was all Jesus wanted, broken pieces of
his life to  put back together and used for Him.

How much do I love Jesus? Do I offer the broken pieces of my life to Him to be
put back together and used by Him?


LET IT GO

Be ready to obey when Jesus bids me come to Him.

Offer my heart and life that have broken pieces to Him for His use and glory.