Warriors Arise: September 13, 2020
John 21:6-7a (NKJV) And He said to them, “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. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”
Beth Moore published a Bible Study, "The Beloved Disciple". It was a life-changing study for me. As I dug into the Word and studied each daily lessons, I was changed. Throughout the book of John, John refers to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved. I do not believe John was being boastful nor do I think he thought he was loved more than the other disciples. John understood he was loved by Jesus.
Too many have thought John as being prideful, when in fact, he is addressing himself not by his own merit but, by the value Jesus placed upon him. By no means do I think John was being dishonoring of his name. He knew his name. But when writing of the life of Christ, the miracles He did and the teachings He shared, John grasped something most Christians never do. John grasped the love Jesus had for him. Could you say, "I am the Christian Jesus loves"?
When we gain the understanding that "I am the Christian whom Jesus loves", everything within us changes. We understand it isn't that Jesus loves anyone else more than us or less than us, it means we understand the value Jesus has placed on us. It means we no longer fear being alone or bullied or afraid.
It means that in the midst of being alone, we know Jesus is with us. (1 John 4:18)
It means that when we are bullied we know Jesus stands before us, giving us strength to remain standing with courage when the bully (enemy) launches his attack. (1 John 4:4)
It means fear may be all around us, like a dense fog we cannot see through, but the light of God from within steadies our mind and the voice of the Lord leads us out. (1 John 1:5-7)
In 1 John, John writes about the love of the Father and the love of Jesus toward their people. 1 Corinthians 13 maybe the love chapter but 1 John is the book of God's love. Both men, Paul who was writing the Corinthians and John who was writing to all, comprehended God's love.
Ephesians 3:17-19 (NKJV) ...that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
In the boat, as the disciple are pulling with all their might to get the overflowing net of fish into the boat, John realizes who is on the shore. John realizes who called to them to see if they had any food. John realizes who told them where to throw the net when the fish would be there. Are you able to identify the presence of Jesus in your situation? Are you able to identify the instruction of Jesus in your situation?
The one who understood Jesus' love toward him was the first one to recognize that it was Jesus. Jesus was standing on the shore, giving the instruction of where to throw the net, so that they could be successful. John was the first one to make the connection. I'm inclined to think that it is because of the understanding John had of Jesus' love for him, which caused him to have recognized Jesus first.
Love is unmistakeable. It has a power all its own. Love knows when the one they love has entered the room. Love knows the sound of those who love them. Love knows the presence of their love. Love knows the need of their love. Love knows the strength of their love. Is this how you know Jesus?
Father, I am the Christian whom You love. Your love for me has cast all fear away. Your love for me has strengthened me in the midst of my doubt. Your love for me has given me boldness in the face of uncertainty. Your love for me has provided for my every need. Your love extends beyond my comprehension. I ask to know Your love deeper, to the very depth of my soul. I ask to know the length of Your love, that is never runs out. I ask to know the width of Your love, there is nowhere I can go without Your love. I ask to know the height of Your love, no matter how successful I am, I know it is because of Your love I have achieved the fullness of all You have asked. I want to be able to know Your presence, when You enter the room. Not for knowledge sake, but to honor You. I ask for You love to turn back the sinner and compel each to make things right. So many are crying out to be heard, vindicated, and receive restitution. So many are deceived by their own desires. So many do not even realize they need the love of the Father, Your love. I ask for You to make Yourself known and pour out Your love upon all mankind 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.
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