"At dawn, Jesus stood
on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called
out to them, ‘Children, don’t you have any fish?’ ‘No,’ they answered. He said,
‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they
did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.”
A
Familiar Shore, an Unfamiliar Voice
After the trauma of the crucifixion and the confusing
reports of the resurrection, the disciples were at a crossroads. Life felt
uncertain. So, they did what many of us do in a time of grief or confusion:
they returned to what was familiar. For them, that was fishing.
But even in this familiar task, they found failure. A long night brought
nothing. Empty nets. Exhaustion. Discouragement. And then a voice from the
shore—still unrecognized—offered a strange suggestion: try the other side. There
are some lessons we can learn from this passage.
Lesson
1: Obedience Over Understanding
Jesus’ instruction seemed almost laughable. These were
seasoned fishermen. They had tried everything. What difference would a few feet
make? But the disciples obeyed—and abundance followed.
We often want to understand before we obey. But God often calls us to trust before He
explains. True faith obeys even when it doesn’t make sense. Whether it’s
forgiving someone who hurt us, giving when finances are tight, or sharing the
gospel with someone who seems uninterested obedience precedes the miracle. Let
me ask you; What “right side of the boat” is God
asking you to trust Him with today? Don’t wait to understand—obey.
Lesson
2: God Meets Us at the End of Ourselves
Jesus didn’t show up when the nets were half full or
when the disciples still had hope in their techniques. He appeared after
they had exhausted every effort. Why? Because that’s where pride is
stripped away, and dependence is possible. God’s grace often waits for the
moment we stop striving and start surrendering. When we stop trusting our
strength, we’re finally ready to lean on His. Are you trying to muscle your way through a
situation without God? Maybe He’s waiting for your surrender.
Lesson
3: The Answer is Often Closer Than We Think
The difference between failure and fullness was the
width of the boat. Just a few feet. But the key wasn't the distance, it was the
direction. The key was hearing and obeying Jesus. Sometimes we think God
is far away, that His answer is out of reach. But what if it’s right there—on
the “right side of the boat”—just waiting for our obedience? The solution to
what you’re praying for may not be “out there.” It may be right where you
are—if you listen closely and follow God’s lead.
Final
Thoughts
This post-resurrection encounter reminds us that Jesus
is not just the Lord of the empty tomb—He is Lord of the empty nets too. He
stands on the shores of our weariness, calling us gently, inviting us to trust
Him again. He still multiplies. He still fill you up.. He still speaks. And He
still blesses obedience—even when it doesn’t make sense.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Sometimes I find myself exhausted,
discouraged, and unsure of what to do next. Thank You for meeting me right
where I am. Teach me to obey You, even when I don’t fully understand. Help me
trust Your voice, surrender my plans, and follow You wherever You lead. May I
never grow tired of listening for Your call—and may my life be filled with the
fruit of faithful obedience.
Amen.
May God bless you and keep you and may these words help you renew your spirit.
Dr. Dimas Castillo
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