Meditations on Resurrection Morning

A few years ago, I dropped my 1-year-old son off at church nursery. He wailed, despite the good care of the workers. When we went to pick him up, it was obvious he had made his peace with the caregivers. But when he got a glimpse of me through the window, his demeanor changed immediately—he must get to me RIGHT THEN. No obstacle could stop him. And he did it, making his escape and running into my arms before anyone could get in his way. It was quite sweet and affirming of my place in his heart.

I think of that scene when I read John 21.

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." 6 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. 7 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. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

While the other disciples make a respectful return in the boat, Peter just jumps right into the water and swims/runs to Jesus. I get that! All was NOT well with Peter’s world. And I can imagine the moment for him—they had crucified his Lord. He had denied Jesus. And there the Savior was, standing on the shore. Peter’s response reflects his utter need for Jesus. “Jesus, I can’t do this on my own. I just denied You three times. I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing now. I can’t even catch fish on my own. I’m sitting here fishing on this boat because I have no idea what else I’m supposed to be doing. I need You!” Like my son in nursery, nothing was getting in Peter’s way. In that moment, NOTHING else mattered. Getting to Jesus was number one priority.

I have moments in life when I imagine what it will be like to see Jesus face to face for the first time. It will be beautiful, and I envision that, like impetuous Peter, I’d stupidly jump into the water to get to Him, impatient for the time it takes to sail in the boat.

Envisioning that day sustains me quite often. Even so, Lord, come quickly!