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Empty Nets

What a week!  What a turn of events!  It seemed impossible to even begin to process all that had happened.  Their emotions had risen high with expectation of a new kingdom and righteous King, but then dashed apart with the unexpected, gruesome crucifixion of the One they had put their feeble faith and hope in.  Yet, within a few days, they had actually seen this very One alive, even able to put their hands into his nail pierced hands and side.  But what in the world was the meaning of this all?  What is God intending?  What now?  Was this all just some surreal dream or fog they had stumbled in to?

"I'm going fishing."  Peter announced this to his friends after arriving back home.  It had to be good to at least find and see things that made sense to you.  The fresh sea air, the small boats bobbing in the harbor, and the expectation of catching fish made life seem real again.  Fishing was something they didn't have to think about.  They knew what to do.  They automatically pushed their boat out to sea and cast their nets over just like they had always done.  Their hard work held no reward, for when dawn appeared, the nets were empty.  Now what?  They seemed to have lost their fishing ability, their very livelihood.  Empty nets sunk their hopes of returning to daily life like before.  Obviously, nothing would ever be the same again. . . 

The aroma of grilling fish came from the shore, along with the voice of that One they had followed.  "Throw your nets to the other side!"  He shouted out.  They did just that and reaped a busting net of fish . . . wow . . . the wonder of Almighty God!  What went through their minds now?  What was to be the outcome of these who would be left behind?  

 I also find myself returning to the familiar in my life when I'm overwhelmed with the turn of events.  I do the things I know I can and yet end up "catch-less".  Discouragement and doubt sets in.  But Jesus is always there along the shore of my life, ready to fill my empty nets with His hope and purpose. It's all about keeping my faith in Him, even when I do not understand.  Throw your net to the other side, Mary!  Give up your way, trust in My way.  Empty nets will fill . . .   


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