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John 21: 1-14
 
“Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ ”     
John 21: 7a                        
    
     On a fog bound mountain in Northern England’s Lake District I was unsure of the direction to take. Even with map and compass I needed to wait for the fog to clear to be sure of where to go. Gradually the fog was burnt off by the sun and I ascertained where I was and stepped out with confidence. I often imagine that this is how the disciples felt in those first few days after the resurrection of Christ: was He really alive; who is this Guy; what does it all mean; what do we do now? In today’s Gospel passage we see the fog of confusion being lifted by the light of the Son in grace filled and powerful ways.
 
     In their confusion the disciples had returned to the familiar territory of night fishing (vs. 1-3). It was a fruitless endeavor but as dawn came, in a recurrent act of power over creation that must have surely stirred the disciple’s memories, Jesus directed them to cast again their nets (vs. 4-6 & Luke 5: 1-11). The sight of Jesus and this reoccurring miracle was enough to convince Peter of Jesus’ identity so that he again leapt from the boat in an act of faith (vs. 7b & Matthew 14: 22-33). The group then shared fellowship with Christ as they ate around a morning fire and Christ broke bread with them (vs. 10-13); another welcomed ritual revisited. They then, ‘KNEW it was the Lord,’ (vs, 13b).
 
     This account confirms the RISEN Christ in physical form; He was not a vision or spirit but the real person; the Risen Saviour. The disciple’s faith may have faltered or even failed but their love for the Lord was instantly reignited around that dawn fire. The fog was clearing and their direction becoming clear as they had fellowship with Christ.
 
     As we seek to understand and know Jesus may the bible act as our map, the Holy Spirit as our compass to guide us into fellowship with Christ through an act of faith where we leap from the false security of our self-built life-boats. May we see His power over creation and may His Spirit of fire burn within our hearts as the light of the Risen Lord dawns within us dissipating the fog of our confusion. Hallelujah He is Risen indeed!
 
To Ponder: If we believe the evidence and accounts of the physically risen Jesus Christ what should we do? What does the resurrection mean for us today?

Prayer: Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of your Son overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in Him: grant that we, being dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ, may reign with Him in glory; to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be praise and honour, glory and might, now and in all eternity. Amen

Praise: