Singers appointed, Israel prepares to praise the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who freed them from Egypt, made a great covenant with them, and gave them a homeland forever, if they would remain His and His alone. Skilled in music, they prepared their best for the worship of the Highest One. The LORD had led them, fought for them, provided for them. David appoints men who would make it their life’s work to prepare praises, songs to teach and to exhort generations to come: Have faith, give loyalty to the Holy One of Israel.
Then we have the fishermen. The passage pictures them as huddled together, trying to decide what to do next. Jesus comes, unexpectedly, quietly, bringing peace. Thomas missed it, would not believe it. Jesus comes again and his presence overwhelms Thomas, “My Lord and my God!” Fishing, let’s go back to what we know best. We have to make a living. Jesus comes again and they do not recognize him at first. “Do you need fish? Is that what you need? Let me help.” Let’s go back to the beginning, remind you of those early days, new, exciting, full of promise. Here is where that song I learned as a child comes back to me, “Fished all night and caught no fishes . . . Cast your net to the other side.”
Such a contrast! Professional singers of a conquering faith and rich tradition. Lone fishermen, outcasts, fearful. Just they and the resurrected One.
We have those days, so disparate. Days of faith so strong, victories so great, blessings, all which lead us to nearly burst with praise and adoration. Then the other days. Alone, dark, beaten down. Then Jesus comes…some days we do not recognize him in the midst of our troubles. He seems so far away, on a distant shore. “Cast your net, ” Jesus says, “I have something for you to do.” Then we know, it is the Master.
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. Jn. 20:30-31
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