January 28

Day-break On The Beach

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not recognize that it was Jesus. — John 21:4 BSB

The previous evening had been full of hope and excitement. Seven fishermen, long separated from their trade, likely believed they would not see their Master again. So they returned to the shore of the lake and entered the familiar boat. But that night, they caught nothing. This was their final fishing expedition—they were to cast their nets in different waters, with new skies above them. The disappointment they faced that night was meant to close one chapter and open another. No longer fishermen on Galilee’s shores, they were called to shepherd God’s people on celestial mountains, where they would catch glimpses of the Eternal City.

Has your life been a disappointment? Did you start out with hope and joy, but the winds soon changed, and the skies clouded over? Perhaps you have worked hard, but for some reason, nothing has gone as planned. You may feel that the only thing left is to land on the shore of eternity, just as Paul was cast onto the shore at Malta. But don’t be too certain! When the morning dawns, you may find Jesus standing on the beach, waiting to greet you. He knows the time of your arrival and will come to meet you, just as He did for Stephen and countless others.

It’s a wonderful thing, after a long and difficult journey, to see familiar faces waiting for you. Whether the landing stage is in New York, Bombay, Melbourne, or Liverpool, what a difference it makes! And when the great Day finally dawns and the shadows flee, as your little boat scrapes the shore, it will be good to see Christ standing there, hand outstretched, ready to welcome you home. “I go to prepare a place for you...I will come again and receive you to Myself.”

Prayer

Let it be enough if—unseen and uncounted, all my successes and failures—through Your abundant grace, I find myself beckoned by familiar hands to the place You have prepared for me. Amen.