… the joy set before Him … Hebrews 12:2
After Jesus died on the cross and rose again, Peter went fishing. He went fishing because we always act out of our identity. We act according to who we believe we really are.
They had fish for breakfast, but Jesus was not ready to let go of Simon Peter. Peter might believe that he was nothing more than a humble fisherman, but Jesus was not about to revoke the identity He had stamped on Peter’s life.
"You have a job to do," Jesus told him. "And your job flows from your real identity. Remember that courage and strength you think you lost? It’s all right here. I am giving it back to you. When the day comes, you will stand the test. You will find the strength and you will prevail."
Years ago, a Man stood on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and invited a group of men to join Him for breakfast. Was it breakfast that He cared about? Or was He after something else?
Jesus went looking for Peter. He found him on a boat living out the life of a humble fisherman. When Jesus found Peter, Jesus told him who he really was.
In the same way, Jesus came looking for me. Who are you, really, Dwight? Are you the guy who swings a mop for a few dollars every day? Are you a poor guy who can’t even afford to fix your own car when it breaks down? Who are you really?
When Jesus reminded me that I was a son of God, He didn’t use any fancy words. He just said, "Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of it."
You see, I’m not really a guy who mops floors for a living. I’m a son of God. I am seated in heavenly places with Christ. My Father’s expense account covers all of my needs. The $679.80 I spent to fix my car has already been paid for. He didn’t need credit cards or human wealth to do it. He just took care of it.
So I ask you, Why did Jesus rise from the dead?
The answer, my friend, is simple. Jesus rose from the dead so He could come looking for you and for me. Jesus rose from the dead because He wants to find us so He can tell us who we really are.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.