Sometimes Real Love Means Going For A Swim

Sometimes Real Love Means Going for a Swim

The last chapter of John describes a small group of disciples who decided to go fishing one day. Well, their fishing trip was not a successful one. They didn’t catch a thing until a man from the shore encouraged them to throw their nets to the other side of the boat. When they complied, the nets overflowed with fish.

Just then, Peter, one of the disciples, noticed that the man on the shore was Jesus. When Peter realized that Jesus was on the shore, nothing could keep him from his Lord. Here’s what happened:
That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. John 21:7

John continues to tell the reader that the boat was only a short distance from the shore. Peter could have easily stayed dry by rowing the boat to shore. Peter shows us what love for Jesus looks like.

When Jesus is waiting, the one who loves him jumps in the water, swims with strength, runs into his arms, and listens intently to every word that comes from his lips. This is what Peter did. Remember, this is the same Peter who, just a few chapters before this, denied Jesus on the day of his Crucifixion. He recently abandoned his dearest friend and yet not even his own guilt or shame kept him from jumping into that water.

I’ve identified with Peter in the past (read I am Peter). Today, I find myself praying for the love that Peter displayed. True worship is to run to Jesus, without a second thought, no matter the circumstance. Peter never asked the others in the boat what he should do because the thoughts of others do not matter when love is deeply rooted. The comfort of being dry didn’t keep Peter in that boat because devotion doesn’t limit someone to their comfort zone. The excitement of the catch of a lifetime didn’t distract Peter because true worship happens during times of lack AND during times of plenty. Guilt and shame did not keep Peter from pursuing Jesus because He knew that in the arms of Jesus was the only place he would feel whole again. So, sometimes, real love means going for a swim. Are you willing to jump in?

~Trisha Bowman
Christ Fellowship member