One hundred and fifty three (John 21:1-14) 260907
Recently there is a local production movie called 881. It is very well received. I have not had a chance to watch this movie yet, and not too sure what does the number 881 means. Today passage, I find there is a special number being mentioned, that is 153.
Peter was really an action pact guy. He could not do nothing. After the Lord was crucified and resurrected, he suggested to other disciples to go back to fishing trade (v3). That was his former profession. When I read this, I reflect on my desire and plan to go back to teaching or counseling work in school or polytechnic after my theological training. I reflect on my motive of doing so. Peter was discouraged and perhaps disillusion about the whole matter. Am I doing it also out of discouragement and disillusion of ministry work? I have to continue to search deep within honestly.
But Jesus appeared to them and He almost re-enacted their first encounter when He called them to follow Him as disciples (v5-6). And Peter recognized the Lord and he did something very strange, in my opinion. He put his outer garment on and threw himself into the sea (v7). It was strange because what was the point to put on the outer garment since he is going to jump into the sea? Wouldn’t he get his outer garment wet too? Anyway the boat was only about a hundred yards away, there was no need to hurry. I guess Peter understood what it meant to meet God. This encounter reminded him from the point he met Christ, all the days he had with Jesus as His disciples, all the way to his weakness to deny Christ, and all his disappointment, discouragement, disillusion, fear and confusion.
At that point of time, Peter knew he is meeting His Lord again, a Holy God. Peter recognized his own nakedness and sinfulness and hence put on the outer garment and rushed to the Lord. Though the Scripture did not record that Peter said anything to the Lord, but I know that the Lord had already spoke to the heart of Peter.
Then came the fish, a hundred and fifty-three, 153, of them (v11). What does 153 means? This was a very special number to Peter and also to other disciples who were there. The number itself do not have any spiritual significant to anyone of us, but I am sure that ‘153′ bears an important memory to this encounter. An encounter whereby their honest soul met the Lord. Do you have such moments in life too? Do you still remember those encounters with the Lord? Treasure them. Peter and other disciples will forever remember 153. When we get to heaven, and when we mention 153, these disciples will be able to tell you their stories. What is your story of encounter with the Lord?
153
HHS…
Abel…
