“When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.’” (John 21:9-10)
When the disciples come ashore, the Lord Jesus has already prepared a meal. There is bread and cooked fish—so He does not need their catch at all. The One who fed thousands with five loaves and two fish can certainly provide food for this group of men without any difficulty. Yet He chooses to use their fish as well. Their contribution is welcome and valuable.
This is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The Lord God does not need anything from us. The whole earth belongs to Him, and with a single word He can bring something new into being. He can bring thousands of people to faith in a single day (see Acts 2:41). He certainly does not need our help to do that. Yet He chooses to involve people in the growth of His Kingdom. He commands them to proclaim the gospel to all creation (Mark 16:15) and promises to go with them and empower their words.
The realization that God does the real work brings peace. Knowing that our contribution is nevertheless valuable to Him brings gratitude and joy.
Are you willing to go in Jesus’ name and tell others about Him? How can you do that in a practical way?
Image by Lumo Project Films – www.lumoproject.com.