I find it very boring to play golf or go fishing by myself. To me, it is a social opportunity to share. Can you imagine hitting a hole in one in golf and nobody is around to share? I think it does not count if there are no witnesses. I guess you could make the claim the shot was made, but many would be skeptical. Same thing with catching a huge number of fish. Yes, you can bring home to show the catch but who is to say you got them at a store or someone gave you theirs to make yours look even better. Regardless, I would rather not deal with doubt but back it up by others sharing the amazing feat. It is okay to share with others, but the caution is not become part of a senseless mob. There are abundant miracles when shared with people who are led by the spirit.
When I read in John 21:1-19, the story is so much more credible as it was substantiated by others. Simon Peter and the other disciples had just lost their precious Jesus who had been crucified for all the world to witness. Yet, Jesus had already appeared to them twice after being raised from the dead. Can you imagine how the followers of Jesus must have felt? First, I imagine some doubt, then confirmation by repeat appearances. Peter was a leader as well as a fisherman. When asked what now, he said, “I am going fishing.” And they all said, “We will go with you.” Appears to be a reasonable response when under so much stress. Fishing is a good way to relief stress so off they went. Little did they know that on this day, Jesus would meet them a third time to show them one more miracle in the form of a net full of fish. Instead of denying Jesus three times as he did on that terrible day, Peter was so enthusiastic to embrace his Lord, he did not even need a boat. Jesus met him and the others on the bank already cooking up some fish. Jesus once, twice, three times asked Peter if he loved him. The answer each time was yes, then Jesus challenged Peter to spend the rest of his long-prophesized life to feed his sheep. All of those who witnessed this miracle also heard his directive. Can you imagine the clarity they felt at that moment of their mission in life? Perhaps, we should pray for clarity in our mission as well. Perhaps we should avoid false leaders and naysayers who chooses to lead based on false evidence appearing to be real.
The world is full of misguided statements, when made, appear to be truthful, but in realty are full of words to influence us into reaction. A comedian is slapped by a known actor and the actor is applauded with little repercussions except a slap on the wrist then continues to gain attention. A drug addict who’s fame for playing the part continues to play in a court of law trying also to regain nobility. A comedian is attacked on stage by an unknown spectator with unequal reaction as the known actor in the previous event. An unlawful act of disclosure causes an extreme reaction, without consideration for due process, all with the intention to undermine said due process. Finally, a world watches with horror, the brave freedom fighters in the Ukraine defend themselves from a totalitarian in Russia, called Putin, while no one in the so-called free world takes a stronger action to stop this insanity. This is reminiscent of how the world reacted in the early days of Hitler in Germany causing all to pay a huge price, especially the Jewish people. We can choose to react to the disinformation mob and become part of the mob shouting “Crucify” him or her or we can choose to act responsible to determine the truth.
Jesus challenged us all when he questioned Peter if he truly loved him. Us humans are like sheep in that we tend to follow the leader. If it leads them to greener pastures or desolation, they have no choice. Unlike sheep, we are given more mental capacity to choose wisely who is leading us. We can consider the source of the information and choose to be part of the mob shouting crucify them or we can choose to seek spiritual guidance to obtain clarity in our mission. Choose wisely my friend.
T