Not Torn

Tonight Matthew read to me from John 21: 1-14. The account is below so you can read it.

As we discussed the passage Matthew said that he thought it was significant that it mentioned that the net was not torn.  I told him that maybe it showed that if Jesus sent the fish, he would supply the strength of the net.

And it dawned on me and made me smile.  It made me think of how I felt today.  Overwhelmed.  Can I really add another two desks in here? Can I really be a teacher without all the planning I usually do?  Is it possible to spiritually lead these students? Can I really add another desk in here?  As I answered Matthew’s thought about the net I felt the Spirit speaking to me.  If You spply the students, then You will give me the strength.  No matter how many or how few.  Even if I feel that I, the net, will break—you will give me the strength because You have sent these children to Your school.

That is so comforting.  He will give me His strength.  He will give me His peace.  Beautiful.  And perfect timing.  I am always amazed by God’s love and patience with me. 

He has supplied the bountiful blessings of students.  He will not let me be torn.

 

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John 21
Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a] It happened this way:2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.[c] 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.