DR 24
December 24
John 21:1-14. Christ appears at the lake of Gennesaret.
This is the third time that the Lord showed himself to several disciples assembled together after he rose from the dead. The first time was on the evening of the day of his resurrection; the second was a week afterwards, when Thomas was present. Both these appearances took place at Jerusalem. The third occurred in Galilee. The angel at the tomb had promised that Jesus would meet his disciples in Galilee. In this part of Canaan he had lived from his childhood, and here he had often traveled with his little flock, preaching the Gospel.
It must have been a trial to the apostles not to see their Lord as soon as they arrived there. It seems that they were reduced to great necessity while waiting for him, and that they were obliged to resume their old occupation of fishing. But they were not forgotten by him who had given his own flesh for the life of the world.
After a toilsome night, spent in vain endeavors to procure a fresh supply of food, they heard a voice calling out, "Children, have you any meat?" But they neither recognized the voice, nor the form of their Lord. Soon, however, the beloved apostle John discovered him by his wondrous acts. After following his directions, the apostles found their net laden with an enormous quantity of fish. Then John exclaimed, "It is the Lord."
On several occasions after the resurrection, Jesus made himself known by some word he uttered, or act he performed, without declaring plainly who He was. When he pronounced the name of Mary, he was made manifest as her Lord; and when he blessed the bread at Emmaus, he was discovered by the mourning disciples. There are many ways in which Jesus still makes his people feel that he is present. When a soul is converted, then we know that he is near; when in the midst of trouble, comfort flows into the heart—when prayer is answered—when temptation is resisted—when sin is subdued—when death is welcomed—then we may feel assured "It is the Lord."
As soon as the seven hungry and weary disciples reached the shore, what a proof of their Lord's condescending care met their eyes! A fire of coals was kindled, fish was laid thereon, and bread was provided. Whose hands had kindled that fire and prepared that meal? Was it the pierced hands of the risen Savior, or those of angels, his ministering servants? We know not by what means the simple fare was made ready; but we know that it was the Lord who had condescended to provide this seasonable supply. The King of glory himself waited upon his poor followers. He who had washed their feet before he suffered, fed them with his own hands after he was risen.
Have his people cause to fear, lest they should be forgotten in the day of their necessity? Sometimes they are tempted to inquire, What shall I do, if my business should not prosper? What would become of me if sickness should lay me low? Who would take care of me, if I should live to be old and feeble? But these are unbelieving thoughts. Christ has promised each of his children—"I will never leave you, nor forsake you." When our minds are troubled with cares concerning the future, let us remember the Lord Jesus by the side of the lake, feeding his poor disciples with his own pierced hands.
Christmas Day
Suspend the course for the day, and read Is. 9:1-8; and Luke 2:1-15; or some other chapter suitable to the Nativity.