COME AS YOU ARE

READING: JOHN 21:1-9

Verse 7: “Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ Now when Simon Peter head that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. Verse 8: “But the other disciples came in the little boat...dragging the net with fish”

Have you heard of “come as you are” gatherings? That’s when people are contacted and invited to immediately come to a location just as they are. That means no change of clothes, no makeup, no hair combing or teeth brushing, etc. The Lord’s invitation to us through the Gospel is like that. That idea also applies to the responses of the disciples when they realized that Jesus was waiting for them on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. There were two different reactions. Peter plunged into the water and swam ashore, providing an impressive display of exuberance. The others used a boat to get there, and in the process took the fish that had been caught. It seems that the Lord approved of both behaviors. He accepted both the exuberant and the practical. We don’t have to create some false identity or facade to be received by the Lord Jesus. He would see through such a thing anyway. In response to His invitation to salvation, all are welcome to “come as they are.” That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Did you respond exuberantly or practically?

2. Has you mode of response changed or is it the same?