Breakfast on the Beach with Jesus

from Devotions for the Beach

Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?” — knowing that it was the Lord. — John 21:12

It had been a tough morning, to be sure. Following Jesus’ death, several disciples returned to their regularly scheduled programming. They got up early, took their fishing nets, and… nothing. Not a bite. Until some guy stood on the shore and called out a weird suggestion to throw their nets in from the other side of the boat.

I wonder if any of them grumbled briefly, “What difference does it make which side of the boat we throw the nets from? Who is this guy?” But by then, they were desperate enough to try anything.

Suddenly, when their nets were heavy, the same question took on a different meaning, because they knew the answer. John shouted, “It is the Lord!” and Peter could not get to Jesus fast enough. Other than suggesting that they add some of the fresh catch to His spread, Jesus’ sole response was “Come and eat breakfast.”

Now, wait just a minute.

When read in context, the scripture notes that this is Jesus’ third post-resurrection appearance, a miracle unto itself. 

After all, these men saw Him perish on the cross. And not only that, He’s preparing a meal on the beach — not as a ghost or apparition, but as a physical being able to lift things and build a fire, etc. Then, after their own efforts had been useless, He provides an abundance of fish with one simple instruction. And after these marvels, He simply says, “Come and eat breakfast”?

Yes.

We create so much unnecessary hoopla in our own regularly scheduled programming. We plan, we implement, and we work hard… and get frustrated when nothing comes of it. Desperate and empty, we finally look to Jesus as a last resort — because we don’t recognize who He is. And sometimes, really, all He’s asking is that we come join Him and take part in what He’s prepared and created. The rest will come.

So declutter your mind of plans, schedules, and “to do” lists. Instead, look out upon the waves, wiggle your toes in the sand, absorb the sights, smells, and sounds, and enjoy the moment for what it is — not what it means, not what lies ahead, not how you arrived here. There will be another time for that. For now, just be present with Him.

After all, in the best relationships, sometimes words are unnecessary.

Lord Jesus, I bring no words, no petitions with me right now. Just a moment to be still and commune with You in gratitude and love, using all of my senses to absorb and celebrate Your beautiful creation.

How long has it been since you stopped everything just to be with Jesus and enjoy Him? What frustrations, obligations, and responsibilities do you need to set aside to just sit with Jesus and experience His presence?