"Jesus was standing on the Beach, but they didn't recognize him." (John 21:4, The Message)
I wonder why they didn't recognize him? They were afraid when he showed up before, is it because he looked different? Or was it that they weren't expecting him? Or what they had expected was different than what took place? Regardless the reason, they at first didn't realize that it was Jesus, but they followed him anyway.
Maybe it was because they were far enough away from shore it was hard to recongize anyone, but once the net was filled with fish, Peter knew. It was a miracle he had experienced before. The rest of them were beginning to understand as well, for all of them saw Jesus multiply fish for hungry people. Now it's they who are hungry and a stranger on the beach is providing.
"Not one of his disciples dared ask, 'Who are you?' They knew it was the Master." (John 21:12, The Message)
How did they know? They didn't recognize him; they didn't know his voice...they just knew.
Because they trusted in his word, because they had experienced his resurrection, they had faith and they just knew when Jesus was present among them.
And the same is true for us.
We've never seen Jesus in the flesh, but most of us have recognized him. We've gone about our business and not expected him to show up, yet he has and many of us just knew. Faith develops faith and faith develops our perception and sight into the things of God. The more faith we have, the more we are able to see what God is doing.
He's making breakfast for us on the beach everyday. He's calling out to us while we go about our day. He's providing just what we need. He's present everywhere and everyday. We may not recognize him, but with faith and an expectation, we'll know he's there because we are on the his wavelength.
We'll just know!
Risen with Christ ><>
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