Morning After
But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
John 21:4
After a night of fruitless fishing-it had happened before (Lk. 5:5)-the disciples did not recognize the risen Lord upon the shore. How much of our labor is in van because it is our own poor little expedition (see verse 3)! But our labor is not in vain when it is in the Lord.
There is a beautiful progression in this story. John recognizes the stranger. “It is the Lord!” Peter immediately leaps into the water and heads for shore. He has denied his Lord and had been out of fellowship, but when he heard Jesus was on the shore, he went toward Him, not from Him.
Jesus invited them to a prepared meal, and they knew it was the Lord. He becomes real to all who accept His invitation and take what He offers.
Has it been a fisherman’s failure with you? Has your little venture come to nought? See the Lord upon the shore. Heed His instruction, and a night of defeat will give way to a morning of delight.