“Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.” (John 21:4)
Apparently, it was difficult to recognize the risen Christ, just ask Peter and John, or Mary, or the travelers on the road to Emmaus. I wonder why that was. Was it something about him or something about them that kept the realization from happening? Or maybe it was just the situation. Maybe it was the early morning sunlight, or their preoccupation with trying to haul in a catch of fish, or their frustration with not being able to do so. Maybe it was the grief and sadness and confusion of having lost their dear friend and teacher and leader. After all, Mary came to the tomb looking for a dead Jesus, and what she found was a Jesus more alive than he had ever been. That would have been a surprise to anyone.
The real question is not about them but about me. How many times in my life have I failed to realize it was Jesus? After all, he has been there all along, but I have failed to recognize it. And where am I currently failing to recognize that it is Jesus? Where and how is he standing on the shore of my life, just waiting for me to finally realize that it is him?
Give me eyes to see you, Lord Jesus, and a heart to recognize you in the midst of the events and interactions and conversations of my day.
No comments:
Post a Comment