SOAP 12/24/2011; John 21:10

Today's reading: John 19,20,21

S) " ¹⁰ Jesus *said to them, 'Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.'"

John 21:10 (NASB)
*Original Greek used present tense to convey stronger emphasis

O) First thing I noticed about this verse is that Jesus valued the work the disciples had done. He saw that it was good work, and He wanted to add their results to what He had already done (because He had already begun cooking some fish). Second thing I noticed is that there is no mention of the grace involved in their catch. He didn't say, "Bring me some of the fish which I helped you catch." or "... the fish with which I blessed you." He simply left it at the fact that they caught the fish. To me, this shows that, even though God wants us to be humble, He isn't trying to diminish our efforts or the results that we produce. Instead, I think He wants us to work with Him, not simply for Him, and He will acknowledge the good work we do.

A) I need to be sure I am doing good work, first of all. God will not ask me to bring to Him my catch, if I have caught nothing. But, I also need to ensure that the catch I have is good. So, I need to be obedient to His direction when I am doing my work (any work), so that it will produce a good haul. I also need to look at a bigger picture and realize that God doesn't need my works (as Jesus already had some fish), but He does desire for me to work. I need to remain humble and remember that it's not about me, it's always about Him.

P) Father, I want to be used for Your glory. I want to work with You, God. Even this morning, as I go to church and I help lead worship, I want to be obedient to Your lead. Holy Spirit, speak the will of the Father to me and direct my every move so that my work will not be in vain, but will be effective. Help me add to the haul of the Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.