Daily Devotion for April 27 - John 21:5 - 7

Verse
John 21:5–7 (ESV)
Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.

Meditation
After a night of fruitless labor, the disciples experience abundant blessing at the word of Jesus. Their own efforts had failed, but when they obey His command, the nets overflow. This miracle points to the truth that apart from Christ, we can do nothing, but with Him, there is abundance and life. John’s recognition—“It is the Lord!”—shows how the believer’s heart is drawn to Christ by His grace and provision. Peter’s leap into the sea displays the urgency and eagerness of faith longing to be near its Savior. So too, we are called to cast aside reliance on ourselves and run to Christ, trusting Him to supply all we need.

Old Testament
Isaiah 55:1–2 (ESV)
“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?”

Collect
O Lord Jesus Christ, by whose word the empty nets were filled, grant us hearts that heed Your voice and trust not in our own strength but in Your abundant grace. Draw us to Yourself in eager faith, that, forsaking all else, we may cling to You, the source of all blessing and life. For You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Verse
Come, follow Me, the Savior spake,
All in My way abiding;
Deny yourselves, the world forsake,
Obey My call and guiding.
O bear the cross, whate’er betide,
Take My example for your guide.
— Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake – LSB 688:1