A charcoal fire on the beach
In John Chapter 21 we see Jesus on the beach with a charcoal fire. The disciples had decided to go fishing some time after Jesus’s death and resurrection. We see them toiling all night again without a catch. Tired, dejected, depressed and ready to go home. To give up.
The funny thing about Jesus is, he finds a way to remind us that He provides for us. Mentally, physically, financially, relationally are ways we can count on Jesus showing up. When He was with them he calmed the storm and told the wind and waves to calm. They obeyed. He multiplied loaves and fishes and fed up to 20,000 people when the whole family was counted. Scripture says 5000 men. Most assume groups of 4 to get the 20k number. Never the less, at the first sign of trouble being without Jesus, they forget all our savior showed them. They forget who He is, His power,His love, His sacrifice. They try to do things themselves again after being shown a better way.
The man on the beach they saw from the sea of Gailee asked them if they had caught any fish. Jesus knew the nets were empty and the disciples were tired. They answered in the negative. Casually Jesus says, “Throw your nets on the right side of the boat.”
They agree and the catch of fish,153 to be exact, took everything they had to bring it on board. Peter knew it was the Lord and he threw himself into the sea around 50 yards from shore and ran to Jesus at the fire. They were depressed before Jesus provided that massive haul of fish. Some scholars estimate that was many months of labor in that one catch.
Not only does Christ restore us when we accept him as Lord and Savior, He always provides for us. Peter of all people, having just denied knowing Jesus three times,shows us the mercy of our Savior and the redemption He gives us. Peter was restored by Jesus shortly after this encounter and told to feed his lambs. We have a great opportunity when we go to work with a biblical mindset and work in a way that honors Christ. People sense something different about us because of the way we enter into situations, the way we work with people and the way we handle stress. This gives us an opportunity to tell people why we are the way we are. To tell them who changed our lives and eternity. We get the opportunity at times to share the Gospel. That is why it is imperative that we see our workplaces not as places we demand to be heard and seen but as places that we can scatter seed, we can live out our faith in the middle of hurting and desperate people.
If we do not see our workplaces as opportunities to live out our faith, we miss the ability to live out our faith in one place we spend most of our week. It’s bonkers to think that the only time we can reach people for Christ is Sunday morning. In fact, I would say we are taking the easy way out and asking our Pastors and Church staff to do the heavy lifitng while we sit back and drink our craft coffee and donuts.
I can only offer you my experiences of showing up to work and seeing Jesus intersect peoples lives in mostly retail settings because the owners and leaders of those companies chose to help their employees see the opportunities to walk out theeir faith humbly and wisely in front of those they served and those they worked with.
You might be in a position with a company that does not support this mindset, this does not mean you can’t live out the fruits of the spirit daily. It doesn’t mean you can’t pray often during the day silently for your team and the company you work for. It means you have to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove to do so but the task is still the same. I dare say you might find a larger harvest than someone able to work in an environment that promotes business as a ministry. The choice is yours. I made that choice many years ago because Jesus showed up in ways that were personal to me. Working this way has changed my life. I have been a better employee, leader, husband and father because of it.
