February 1, 2021 -- John 21:4-5 -- Work and Blessing

Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No”.

John 21:4 English Standard Version

Why were the disciples fishing? Jesus had told them to go to Galilee and He would meet them there. They were fishermen. They’d need to feed their families, so it was not unreasonable that they’d be fishing.

Why didn’t they catch anything? At John 21:1 it is recorded that at the Sea of Tiberias Jesus revealed Himself. There is something purposeful going on here, the revelation Jesus desires to show them, is unfolding even in the fact that these capable fishermen are coming up empty-handed.

Why did Jesus ask them what He knew already? Jesus was not mocking the men. He was going to make a point and thereby give a fuller revelation of Himself to His followers.

What do we learn?

Work is honourable. If a man capable of work but refuses to work he should not eat.

It is Jesus Who gives blessing to our work. He is near. He calls out to us—do you see fruitfulness and blessing on your labour? If not here are some questions worth thinking about:

~Are you asking for Jesus’ blessing? Remember the Lord’s prayer, “give us this day our daily bread”. When it seems we are spinning our wheels, it may well be that have become proud, forgetting it is God our Faithful Father Who gives work, gives ability, gives success and gives us favour.

~Are you looking to Jesus for Him to bring the blessing and the increase? If not, perhaps it is time to confess your failings.

~Are you thanking Him for every good gift or are you taking for granted the rich blessings you receive? Perhaps a season of drought in your finances or work or fruitfulness of your work will bring you back to your knees and increase your thankfulness for all you have received and are receiving from God the Glorious Father.

Prayer is from the psalms:

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High;

to declare Your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,

to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.

For You, O LORD, have made me glad by Your work; at the works of Your hands I sing for joy!

Psalm 92:1-4 English Standard Version

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