Day 224: John 21:7b–14

When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer garment around him (for he was stripped) and plunged into the sea (v. 7b).

The second that John announced the stranger along the shoreline was indeed Jesus, Peter jumped from the boat and swam to Him with all his might. I realize our primary attentions have been on John in his Gospel, but I can’t let this moment pass without putting the flashlight on one of Peter’s sterling moments.

In our Christian circles we so often surround ourselves with people of similar practice of faith. We have our unspoken codes. Spiritual practices that we consider acceptable. We also agree on things that are not. Things that are weird. Behaviors that are just, well, overboard. Then someone jumps ship and decides he or she doesn’t care what the rest of us think. Nothing is going to get between him and Jesus.

Glory! As much as I love John, in this scene I want to be Peter!

Actually, I remember well when I began to break the unspoken code of just how far my church compadres and I would go with this “spiritual thing.” Years ago, those closest to me charged me with going overboard far more disapprovingly than others. Do you know what, though, Beloved? I wouldn’t climb back in that boat for anything. How about you? Have you jumped out of the boat of what is most comfortable and acceptable and decided you want Jesus even if you have to make a fool of yourself to get to Him? If not, are you ready? What’s holding you back?

Let me warn you. Intimacy with Christ doesn’t always feel warm and fuzzy. Just ask Peter. That water was cold! This scene would have taken place during the latter part of our month of May. The days are very warm in that part of Galilee, but the temperature drops dramatically during the night. Mind you, this fishing trip took place before breakfast (John 21:12). No wonder the rest of the disciples followed in the boat!

I believe Jesus esteemed Peter’s impetuous determination to get to his Lord. I am also convinced that this act was an important part of Peter’s restoration. Notice he didn’t ask to walk on water. He was willing to dog paddle in ice water to get to Jesus this time.