-by Rev. Rick Shott, Nokomis Baptist Church
April 10, 2023
You can tell a lot about someone from how they begin. Sometimes people get so overwhelmed they do not know how to begin. I think we can see this in the disciples after the resurrection.
In the gospel of John 21, we see some disciples go fishing. Not a pole and rod affair, but using a boat and net, a commercial setup. Peter was overwhelmed, and he went back to his prior profession. The past few days were so amazing. He had seen Jesus tried, crucified and buried. He then had met him alive and well. It would be a bit too much for many people. So he went fishing. Then he meets Jesus again.
The patience of Jesus is beyond compare. After working for years training Peter, here he is, wandering from his calling. Yet there was no shouting match. No berating. No exasperation. What we see is Jesus patiently showing Peter there is a better way. Helping Peter to stay true to his calling.
This is no less true for any of us. I write this with Easter freshly gone by. As a holiday, it becomes a reminder of Christ for all people. Perhaps you have been reminded of the need to be at church. Do not overlook such feelings, they are the call of God. In the fellowship of church, we can grow more than on our own. We will become better people because we are with fellow believers. The world wants us fishing. slipping away from our call to follow Jesus. It is a temptation for everyone.
It is together that we are at our best. Even in individual sports, without coaches and others to train with, we do not reach our peak performance. So it is in the faith. We need others to help us and for us to help them. We are meant for community, that is why Jesus had 12 disciples and why Christians form churches.
I know that many people will say that the church has flaws. This is true. Even Jesus had a disciple betray him, but that did not deter him or his disciples. Truly, it is a reason to continue on in the church. This is to help the church carry on. To help her to cope, fix issues and become better. Anyone church may have significant issues such that you may need to walk away, but there are others. Many Christians are trying every day to be faithful. Join them in that daily struggle.
Let this Easter be a call to live for the Lord like no other. As you have received grace by the cross, graciously join together. Be part of a church and let the grace of God flow even more freely through you today.
