The Word Alive: Breakfast takes us back to the future

The past can anchor us

Back to the Future was is an iconic movie that drew an entire generation back in time. Marty McFly and his odd mad scientist companion Doc. Doc is building a time machine out of a DeLorean, why you ask “Because if your gonna build a time machine out of a car why not do it with style!”

We may feel like time travel has happened here in our scripture.

The Disciples are back, I’ll be it where it all started. In Galilee, around Capernaum.

The have witnessed Jesus alive, they have touched his hands and side, they have heard the testimony of others who say him. What is happening?

Anchor points, in our lives when we have a dramatic life event how often do we wonder about “Where do we go from here?”

Disciples are fishing, Peter, Andrew, James, John, and the others are on the Sea of Tiberias (Sea of Galilee)

All night and no catch. All the work but nothing to show for it.

Sounds like we have heard this before Luke 5:3–5 “He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.””

It was here on this boat that first of his followers witnessed the miracle of abundance in the fish.

Jesus reconnects his faithful to this moment.

They are no longer those who catch fish but fish for people. Luke 5:10 “and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.””

Jesus just connected Peter’s current state with his original call.

Also, though, Peter remembers not only that initial call but now the hardest thing— With the water and fish and the joy and enthusiasm of seeing the power of Jesus came the pain of the charcoal fire(charcoal fire only found twice in NT, in these two scenes) the accusation, and the Peter’s denial of Jesus the night of the crucifixion.

The Sparks of memory

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

― Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

How does Peter respond? Turn down the noise, answer the question, and get to work.

The Command, the question, the response, the command, the obedience.

Cast your nets to the right side of the boat. (hearing the voice of God)

Comes through audible voice (disciples), vision (Ezekiel), or dream (Joseph)

What is drowning out the voice of God in your life?

Do you love me more than these?

(Here I am (Moses, Samuel, David, Paul)

To leave these things behind and follow me.

What is holding you back?

The 12 had witnessed and experienced a great deal. Nothing remained to hinder them from fully committing to following Jesus. So much that they would die for the Gospel.

Then feed my sheep.

Philippians 1:6 “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”

Listen to the call

Respond

Go!

We hear his voice, we respond to his presence, we receive his call, we go forth in obedience.