One Hundred Fifty-Three

John 21:11

Somebody counted. Specific, abundant, and the net still held.

Today, as I sought God’s wisdom in John 21, the Spirit kept laying the word “provision” on my heart.

Provision from and for your efforts, most specifically when those efforts follow in direct obedience to God’s direction.

Provision for a meal, which was particularly needed by the disciples that morning on the lake’s shore after an all-nighter of fishing.

Provision for your future, especially desired when our past may suggest a different outcome and God points us towards the right one.

Provision requires a Source. And the Source is always greater than the resource (the provision). This truth is so important for us to remember. 

In John 21, we see the Source is Jesus Christ. Jesus tells them when and where to cast their fishing nets. They catch 153 large fish — and John is careful to note that even under that load, the net was not torn (John 21:11). The provision was more than sufficient to feed the disciples, and the very net meant to hold it still held. Jesus reminds Peter that despite having rejected Jesus three times (see John 18:15-18, 25-26), Peter is invited and directed again to feed and take care of God’s sheep (people). And Peter as well as the disciples knew that none of these provisions came from anyone but Jesus. By our efforts, actions, and words, we can do nothing apart from Jesus (see John 15:5).

The catching of the 153 large fish reminds me of that great provision we read about in John 6:1-15. In it, a young boy shares his small meal of five loaves and two small fish. Placed in the hands of Jesus, that small meal feeds a hungry crowd of 5,000 men, plus women and children. Everyone ate until they were full, and there were 12 leftover baskets full of provisions.

For Reflection

1. What provision has God entrusted to you? How did that provision make you feel? Did you recognize God as the Source of the provision?

2. Did you praise God for that provision? Now is the perfect time to stop and praise God for His provision!

3. What provision do you need today? Are you following God’s direction for your life or have grown apart from Him? God is closer than your breath and is always seeking an intimate relationship with each one of us. Call on Him today and give Him praise for God is the Source!

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we glorify and praise Your name. We thank you for the countless ways You have provided, and You will provide for us in the future. May we not be focused on the provision, but more importantly, may our primary focus and treasure be found in deepening our relationship with You through the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit! Amen.