Recognizing Jesus

I was in a group of guys the other night and we were reading John 21. Five of Jesus' followers were out fishing (or trying)all night and Jesus appeared on the shore in the morning, called out to them about how to catch more fish and then cooked them breakfast after they landed with their nets bursting. The NIV translation says in v. 12 "now come and have some breakfast!" Jesus said. And no one dared ask him if he really was the Lord because they were sure of it.

What? Come again?

That's a strange thing to say - on the surface. They didn't dare ask because they were sure? Then why mention it? Why consider asking? daring to ask? This suddenly hit me in the middle of the discussion- I've been here, I've thought this. And John just nailed it. Jesus shows up and we know it's him but it's so...so out of place in one sense and yet so ordinary in another sense. This had to have been surreal for John and the guys. Jesus shows up, gives some obscure fishing advice that fills the net, then cooks breakfast for all. A scripture that haunts me is the one that says "I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was... and you..." I don't believe this is figurative anymore. I think it's literal. I think it's Jesus. I've heard too many stories and my eyes are open just enough to know that He is alive, He is risen, and He lives. Can I see him? He will just appear. He will give obscure advice. He will cook breakfast. It will be amazing and at the same time so ordinary that I will usually miss it. I need to ask, even if it requires a dare.

On a lighter note- one of my recent best memories of my dad includes this story (John 21). My brother and I were back in NE to visit and the pastor was away so, in Tallin tradition, the Steele men were slated to take the 'sermon' time. (background info- Dad has preached and taught an adult class, he knows how to share, deeply and extemporaneously) So...Dad was first and he got up and said that he had been reading John with the rest of the church and on his birthday (sept 21) he read chapter 21. Actually he startedreading the chapter and said that when he came to verse 3 "simon peter said, 'I'm going fishing'.." he thought that was such a great idea that he closed the book and went fishing that day. With that shared, he closed his bible and took his seat. 30 seconds max. I still remember Ben and I looking at each other- "How do you follow that?"

Godspeed

I don't know the origins of the word godspeed but I've attached my own personal definition to it. This idea hit me when I was in Mexico with a group from OC and SD looking at some possible partnerships there. Godspeed is moving at the speed of God- which is neither too fast (not that I can get ahead of God, but I can forge ahead on my own agenda and time line in the western mindset of productivity and efficiency)nor too slow (that passive-aggresive digging in the heels when God is prompting)

Jesus moved at godspeed. Paul usually did, it seems. Peter finally figured it out (he was known for forging ahead at times). I want to figure this out-I want to move at godspeed more and more. It has to be Spirit controlled and when I'm "walking" like that, seeing life through His perspective- time warps a little bit. I'm in some kind of sync or rhythm. Noticeably absent are stress and anxiety (either from rushing or resisting)

What makes it most difficult to live at godspeed? "Culturespeed" to coin another word. If people around me are living on a frequency that's off, it will be harder to stay on God's 'frequency'. I can also point the finger right back at me, too. I can put expectations on myself of what I think others want and that can really foul up a good rhythm. I'm no musician but I know there's something about tuning to a standard. I know the Standard and I know how to tune (or actually how to let myself be tuned. My challenge is to recognize sooner when I'm out of sync. God help me.