Devotion 15 April 2026

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy.  1 Peter 1: 8

READING: John 21: 1-14

When Jesus rose from the dead it presented a time when all history was changed forever.  Easter is a time so rich in imagery and powerful truths.  One finds this expressed in many beautiful ways through the words of our hymns.

The third time that Jesus appeared to His disciples was when they had decided to go fishing in the Sea of Tiberius in two boats.  They were unsuccessful in catching anything!  Jesus appeared at dawn, on the shore as they were returning with empty nets but was not recognized.  He calls out to them asking if they have caught anything.  When they say they have caught nothing, He replies that they should throw their nets out on the right side of their boats.  They were amazed at how large a catch of big fish they then caught.  Peter then recognizes Jesus and jumps into the water and swims ashore, while the others return in their boats with their full nets.  They found that Jesus had already lit a fire to cook some fish and He invited them to come and eat.  Jesus took some bread and some fish and gave it to them.  He then said to them, “This is what I told You while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”  And “You are witnesses of these things.  I am going to send you what the My Father has promised;  but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on High.” (The Holy Spirit)( Luke 24: 44 + 48)

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us Your peace, power, and purpose.  May we bear witness to the fact that You have risen from the dead and are alive.  Open our hearts and minds to who You really are so that we may be Your witnesses and give You all our praise and glory.  Amen