The Devotional

What Does Papa “J” have to Say?

To a child a well can be a dangerous experience and as an adult we have the responsibility to guard from danger. It is too bad that we so often drop the guard and let violence from the mouth destroy the innocence of our children. This is selfish and wicked. Proverbs 10:11

Ernie Ford and Elvis Presley often sang this song:

“Tempted and tried we're oft' made to wonder Why it should be thus all the day long; While there are others living about us, Never molested, though in the wrong. Farther along we'll know all about it. Farther along we'll understand why; Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine, We'll understand it all by and by”

To the man Elvis, this was a favorite song, whether he walked in the light of that song or not is another matter. But the song also was a favorite for other singers of questionable character: Bill Monroe, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, the Oak Ridge Boys, the Byrds and the Gaither Vocal Band. If you have been a member of any gospel preaching church you most likely have a memory or two regarding this hymn, too.

God's children do not live a life of joy because it has all been explained to them. God's children can and do live a life of joy because Jesus lives and shares His eternal joy with us. John the Baptizer puts it this way: John 3:28-30. John the apostle adds: John 15:11; 16:20-24; 17:13 and 1 John 1:4. Our hope is built on the Solid Rock of Faith, now that is Joy that is full of glory.

The Gospel of John

John 21:1-14 Well here we are, we are on the other side so to speak. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that he had been to the mountain top and seen the other side. This I do not dispute, but what was the mountain top experience for the Son of God? Hebrews 12:1-2 (take the moment an read). Even after showing Himself alive the disciples showed signs of doubt and a lack of discipline. They went back to their trades. Fishing, selling fish and boat repair.

No one seeks after God, to say that there are seekers and keepers of the Word of God must sound blasphemous to the One who stands on the shore of our lives and says; “children, have you any food?” It lakes very little for us disciples of Christ to be knocked around by doubt and fear. Think about it, just a few days before, Peter was warned by Jesus that he would deny Him. Then Peter did deny Him and Jesus had to remind Peter with His eyes. Then Peter's eyes wept bitterly because his heart was broken.

“Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” Oh friend what a statement of Omniscience, who could not know that the Person on the shore was Jesus. John who never denied Jesus recognizes Him immediately, while doubt and fear needed some reassurance. Love covers a multitude of sin. 1 Peter 4:7-11 and James 5:20. Have joy in the LORD today, He loves you.