HAVE YOU CAUGHT ANYTHING?

DAY 104

John 21:5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.”

Accidentally referring to a colonel in the military as a captain is a big deal because it accounts for a huge demotion. Thus, in a world of titles, you could face huge repercussions for referring to another by a rank below what their sweat and toil qualifies them for . Therefore, recognising the expertise of others should be an important subject for consideration.

Well, that was what I thought until I read the story of Jesus’ appearance to his disciples today. Of the over half a dozen men He encountered, a chunk were already expert fishermen- that had been their profession before they chose to follow Jesus. Yet, notice how Jesus addressed them: “Children, do have any fish?”

Wow! From experts to children. When we wonder why, we will come to the realisation that it was because of their fruitless toil all night. With no results to show, their expertise had failed them. Hence, Jesus invited them once again to receive guidance and shepherding, for that is what children need.

So we realise that our sufficiency is of God and not of ourselves. Lest we become boastful, ponder on these words: on your own and by yourself, you have wandered off, toiled and fought under your own banner. So it is you I ask these questions: how fruitful have you been on your own? ‘have you caught anything?’

#sly