Opening Prayer
Lord, teach us to say from the heart: Not unto us, not unto us, but to Your name be glory given. Amen. (Psa 115:1)
Text: John 21:7–14
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?” – knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
Devotion
John, the Apostle of Love, has the keenest eye and recognizes Jesus first. His writings also testify of his deep knowledge of the Lord. Love sees best. But Peter is always the most fervent and boldest. Even on Easter he entered the grave first. The other five who are in the ship quietly do their work of dragging the net. In this event one sees a picture of the diversity of gifts among the Lord’s people. One has John’s innermost love and keen eye, another has Peter’s zeal and courage, while others have their strength in quiet, patient endurance with their unimpressive work. Likewise here we have a look into the work of the Apostles and the whole Church with the catch of souls, which the Lord Himself has taught us in that earlier catch of fish by Peter, when Jesus said: “From now on you shall catch men” (Luk 5:10).
But what we especially want to impress upon one another from this gospel is John’s words: “It is the Lord!” It is the Lord who says: “Cast the net on the right side of the boat.” The Lord commands all His disciples to cast out the net of the Word. The Lord sent the Apostles out into the world, and the same Lord has sent you, so now cast the net of the Gospel out into the sea of people and down into the depths of the heart. If the Lord had not commanded His Church: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mar 16:15), then you would not be His witness. – That you are such, “it is the Lord.” It is His doing. – It is still the Lord who gives success with the catch. When the servant of the Word receives grace to gather many converts into the number of the saints, then it is God’s Word which does it, the Word and not the preacher. Let the preacher guard himself from taking the glory! It is indeed not his. Let him also beware of belittling others who share the same work, whose success may not be visible. Perhaps they work with greater patience and faithfulness even if they do not draw many fish to land. If the Lord Himself were not with you in the Word, then you would accomplish nothing, – that you do accomplish something, “it is the Lord.” – “It is the Lord,” let John’s spirit whisper this into our soul when we become discouraged, then we get courage anew. When we become idle, then it should refresh us again. And when we become proud, then it shall humble us again. Truly it is the Lord who has set you at your post, servant of Christ, and He is with you and blesses you.
But when the apostles of unbelief hear the cry: “Cast your nets on the left side, on the banks of human reason, and tear many with you away from faith,” then is that the Lord? They want to know of no lord. Ownerless, they want to be their own lord. They do not know that they are inspired by their lord [Satan].
Closing Prayer
Grant us to hear Your voice and to recognize Your form, Lord Jesus. Grant us love and wisdom and faithfulness in Your work, and grace to save many souls by Your Word. Amen.
Hymn
Jesus’ hands stretch forth, receiving
Each sad soul with gracious nod.
Doubt now sees, and faith’s believing,
Saying now: “My Lord and God!”
Filled with heav’nly love so pure,
Now His peace He doth assure,
As a fruit of His dear Passion,
Making us His holy nation.
Sweetest Jesus, when I follow
After Thee in doubt’s dark night,
When I pray with sighing hollow,
Let my soul still hold Thee tight.
Speak Thy wondrous: “It is I!”
Make the pow’rs of darkness fly!
They can do me harm no longer,
For my Jesus’ pow’r is stronger.
Boye: Jesus staar og rækker Hænder L 368 tr. DeGarmeaux;
tune: Freu dich sehr (ELH 256); alternate hymn: Jesus shall reign ELH 193