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The Forward Day by Day Meditation for April 9, 2021

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FRIDAY, April 9 Friday in Easter Week

John 21:6 [Jesus] said to them, “Cast the net to 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 there were so many fish.

This story always fascinates me. We assume that casting the net on the right side is a change, because Jesus specifically tells them to do it that way. Have they been fishing wrong all along? Does Jesus make the fish appear, or have the fish simply been swimming on the other side the entire time, waiting to be caught? Ultimately, the answer doesn’t matter. What’s important is that when the disciples do what Jesus says, their empty nets fill to overflowing.

I wonder how often we cast our proverbial nets in the wrong place over and over. What would it be like if we could listen carefully for the voice of Jesus to see if he might offer direction?

Many churches are in slow, steady decline, and we try to do the same things over and over again. Are we missing an opportunity to cast our proverbial nets in a new place? I hope we can hear Jesus when he calls to us.

MOVING FORWARD: Cast a discerning eye on the ministries of your congregation. Do any need an overhaul or fresh approach?

PRAY for the Diocese of Bermuda

Ps 116:1-8 or 118:19-24 | Acts 4:1-12 | John 21:1-14