Finding the Humor, Learning the Point

Warriors Arise: September 18, 2020

John 21:7-8 (NKJV) Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish.

I find it very interesting, even humorous at times, when I read the different responses of people who find themselves in the presence of the Lord. In this passage we have Peter who learned the Lord is on the shore and he puts his outer garment on before plunging into the sea. Which I find comical because the more clothes you have on the harder it is to swim. Considering that two hundred cubits is just a little over 91 meters; that is quite a distance to swim in long robes. When he reaches the shore he is going to be soaking wet and probably run up and want to give Jesus a hug and will probably result in dropping into Jesus' arms full of exhaustion. Then Jesus will be soaking wet. Doesn't that make you chuckle? I guess the alternative would be that he walked up to Jesus in a loincloth. Either way, it would probably make you smile.

Joshua's response is particularly hilarious. He has just led the people of Israel into the Promise Land and they are camped near Jericho. Joshua goes to look at the city, wondering how they are going to take the city because it is completely fortified. Then the Lord comes and Joshua "fell on his face to the earth" (Joshua 5:14).

Saul is on his way to Damascus to imprison the disciples there. On the way, lightning flashes all around, he falls to the ground, and he says, "Who are you, Lord?" (Acts 9:3-5). The way it reads, Saul is guessing. He doesn't know who is speaking to him. When Jesus identifies Himself Saul responds immediately. He knows Who is talking to him.

Each one of these men were in a very stressful state of being. Joshua led the people into the Promised Land; Moses was dead. Moses was the one who met with God, in the tent of meeting but God had never called Joshua to the tent of meeting. Jericho is the first city they were to conquer and there was no way in! High level of stress. Everyone was depending on him to lead them into victory. His response was not so uncommon for him. When God came to the tent of meetings to meet with Moses, Joshua would lay prostrate on the ground outside the tent even after Moses had left. This was how Joshua showed God reverence. The Commander of the Lord's army was standing in front of him. Exactly, what he needed, a visit from the Lord to be told how to accomplish the impossible.

Saul, who is zealously trying to put an end to the disciples of Jesus and those of the Way, had no clue he is working against God. Up until the light surrounded him, he fell from his horse, and the Lord spoke. Saul thought all he was doing was to honor God. Have you ever experience such quite paradigm shift? You totally thought you were thinking correctly and doggedly stood your ground, supporting the issue with what you thought were real valid facts, only to find out that the facts you held onto were lies. The truth you stood upon swallowed you with deception. Then God gets your attention and set you straight. Saul needed to know where this truth was coming from. God spoke clearly and Saul changed immediately.

Peter, needed to see Jesus. Things were not settled between the two. Peter needed to make sure their relationship was not in jeopardy. Nothing was more important than making things right with Jesus. He didn't care about the fish. He didn't care how hard it would be to swim nearly a 100 yards with his outer coat. It doesn't matter who is between you and Jesus, what matters is how long you will let it remain.

Father, Your Scripture is clear on how much You love each one of us. I stand amazed at Your compassion to meet us right where we are. You met Joshua when he was desperate to know how to fulfill the calling on his life. I ask for You to give me courage to follow through with all You have commissioned me to do to advance Your kingdom. You met Saul on the road to Damascus. You would not stand by and allow him to abuse more of Your people. You met him when he thought he was doing what would honor You. You were able to get through the lies he believed as truth and pull him out of the slimy lies he embraced. When You came, he learned for the first time of Your plan for His life. Saul learned Your desire to use him to share the good news of the Gospel, the truth about Jesus Christ. I ask for You to correct me in any area I have believed was true, but it is actually a lie. I ask for You to reveal to me the truth of who You are, Your ways, and all You want me to do. I yield to Your lead. You stood on the shore, called to Your disciples, and gave them what they were looking for. When they realize it was You, Peter abandoned all and swam to You. It didn't matter what was going on in his life, that he had been up all night with no progress, nor that the swim would be difficult. Peter wanted to get to You. I pray that I would recognize Your presence and abandon all to get to You. I ask for to be expectant for the next time we will be together. I pray I would be ready to commit wholeheartedly to the calling to place upon my life in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy

My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus, riots, and lies. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.