The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

John 21:3-6, “Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will also come with

you.’ They went out, and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.

4 But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it

was Jesus.

5 Jesus therefore said to them, ‘Children, you do not have any fish, do you?’ They answered Him, ‘No.’

6 And He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you will find a catch.’ They

cast therefore, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.”

It may not really be a disaster, but when you’ve previously shown competency in what you do, and suddenly nothing turns out as expected, it would probably be called a disaster. That must have been what Peter and his companions felt when, after fishing all night, without catching one, single fish.

Another thing these fishermen hadn’t counted on was the daybreak presence of Jesus on the seashore. They had seen Him, but until He spoke, they had not known who He was. It was not a “put down” when He called them “children.” It was more like a coach saying to his muscular, masculine team, “Now, boys…”, And, when Jesus asked, all those tired “boys” could say was “No.”

Quite often (at least in my case) the LORD has to show us how lacking we are in what we think we know and do before we’re ready to listen to His instructions. Someone has aptly said that the true miracle was not that Christ put the fish in the net, but that He had kept them out of the net all night! We have to admit that we cannot comprehend how Christ Jesus works! But, if we trust Him, His works will avail for us and ultimately redound to His glory.

Don’t miss the fact that Jesus’ miracle also occurred when the men were physically exhausted! Some-times we’re prone to think we’re capable and would have achieved the objective, had it not been for something unforeseen that hindered us. No, He either prepares us to achieve the task or waits for us to recognize that He alone can do it.

Just don’t get discouraged! Christ’s timing is always accurate. His strength is always adequate. His

purpose is always greater than ours. Be alert to what needs to be accomplished, but be even more alert of His presence and His divine and flawless ability. It will always be to your benefit and ultimately to His glory! Keep me in your prayers, as I am keeping you in mine.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom