Anglican Devotional 13 April 2023 – With Jesus, We Can Excel

The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 13 April 2023 – With Jesus, We Can Excel

Click HERE to Read Previous MESSAGES

TOPIC: With Jesus, We Can Excel

READ: John 21: 1-14 (NKJV)

After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed [Himself:]

Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the [sons] of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.

But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.”

And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find [some.”] So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on [his] outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.

But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish.

Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”

Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.

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.

Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.

This [is] now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

THE MESSAGE:

The disciples laboured all night without catching fish although they were experienced fishermen. They were from Galilee and were familiar with the fishing environment (Matthew 4: 18, 21). Why were they not successful that night? They had the boat, net, skills, were at the right time and place. Could it be that they departed from their assignment of fishing for souls? They left their nets in Matthew 4: 19-20, and were not expected to return to their trade when Jesus called them. Beloved, many may prosper in various vocations, but when we as believers labour in same outside God’s will for us, we may have an experience of gaining little or nothing from our efforts like these disciples. (Ecclesiastes 2: 11).

Jesus showed the disciples where to cast their net. In any project we do, there would always be “the right side.” As we depend on God, He will show us that right side and what to do to prosper without a torn net. He will create fruitfulness from a proven unfruitful venture for His power is greater than our skills and experience. Surely, obedience to His word is the pathway to super abundant prosperity with His protection. In this way, we can excel without stressing ourselves or destroying our equipment. You are not of the world. Hold on to Jesus and His words, remain in your area of calling and you will excel.

PRAYER: Help me O Lord to always live and move in accordance with Your will for me. Amen.