FAITH CAPSULE: Turning away from following Him will always lead to emptiness.

John 21

Prior to the time Peter and some of the disciples gave up all and followed Jesus, they were professional fishermen. Matthew 4:18-20 recorded, “And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.” Peter and his fellow fishermen followed Jesus till the time Jesus went to the cross.
After the death and resurrection of Jesus new development came into play when, “Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.” (John 21:2-3) Have you received and believed in the death and resurrection of Jesus? For everyone that have received and believed in Jesus, there should be no going back to the past. In order for God to have first priority in our life, we have to put the past behind us and allow Him to lead and direct us. The disciples’ returned to their occupation and toiled all night with nothing to show for. The disciples caught no fish all night. It is written, “But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.”(John21:4-5)  The disciples returned to business as usual and did not recognize Jesus. Turning away from following Him will always lead to emptiness. Just like the disciples, Jesus is all that we need to be full and not be empty. Turning away after having been following Him will throw man to becoming a waste in life.
Jesus intervened into their situation and made it a great testimony when He commanded, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.” (John 21:6) After accepting the story of the resurrection, returning to your former lifestyle is a choice that will complicate destiny. Before Jesus came with them on the boat, the disciples did not have a testimony, but when Jesus showed up they had a great testimony. “Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.” (John 21:11) If you have received and believed the report of His resurrection, it is not right for you to return to your former lifestyle. Jesus is alive and He will be glorified in your life.

Prayer for today: Ask for the grace to remain and not turn back from Him.