Gone fishing!

John 21:2-5 NKJV

Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. [3] Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. [4] But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. [5] Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?" They answered Him, "No."

After the disciples had seen the Risen Jesus they were in limbo.

He didn't stay with them so that they could accompany Him in His former itinerant lifestyle.

Can you imagine them looking around at each other for direction and inspiration?

Secretly, they must have decided to go home to Galilee.

Peter, always the outspoken man of action, pipes up: "I'm going fishing!"

He turns to the only life he knew prior to following Jesus - fishing!

The others duly followed.

The result was nothing, no fish, just tired fishermen and an empty net.

The old life didn't work anymore.

Jesus had spoiled them for anything other than the Kingdom of God.

Once you've tasted of the Gospel, even if disappointed over something or someone - you can't go back and forget about God.

Only He has the words of eternal life.

That's why I'm confused when I hear of those who have lost their faith.

For example, Jonathan Edwards, the triple jump world record holder, famously proclaimed his Christian faith while competing. Yet, now retired, he's equally vocal about his atheism.

How come?

How can anyone swap forgiveness, fellowship with God and the Promise of eternal life to go back to meaningless existence and the emptiness of upcoming annihilation?

When feeling disappointed and disillusioned, don't turn back and "go fishing" - there's no fulfilment in the old life and the old ways.

Wait for the Risen Lord to meet with you and reinvigorate your Hope, the Blessed Hope.