The Sweet Hangout

I read John chapter 21 today. Usually, when I read the Bible, I try to read the words with some depth. It's exciting when you can dig deep and pull out something helpful or correcting. There have been a lot of times where I read something and then think, "Wow. I've been doing that. I'm sorry, Jesus. Help me to stop."Even though it's good to study the Bible looking for ways to improve your life, it's not the only thing that makes an intimate relationship with Jesus.

(So back to John 21). This is one of those "Shazam" moments after Jesus rose back to life. His friends Peter, John, Thomas, and Nathanael have been hopelessly fishing all night without a single jerk of the nets. Jesus appears on the beach (SHAZAM!) and shouts over the water, "Hey, fellas. Why don't you throw your net on the other side of the boat and see what happens!" So the disciples are like... "This guy's a little of his rocker, but, shoot, why not?" They do it and then (SHAZAM!) the net's completely filled up with fish. They realize who it is that gave them some amateur fishing advice. "IT'S THE LORD!" Peter hollered as he plunged into the water and swam like a mad man to the beach. When they all get to the shore, Jesus already had some fish ready to eat so they grub out.

What a sweet hangout. What a thoughtful man Jesus was to come back just to hang out on the beach with his friends. He likes to teach us, but it's nice to just chill every once in a while. Jesus wants a relationship like that with us--his children.

He wants to know what you did at school today. He wants to hear about how you ate your favorite food for lunch. He wants to listen to what's been pressing down on you. He wants you to be so excited about hanging out with him that you would jump off a boat and swim menacingly to the beach so you can see Him.

Yeah. Most of the time it's just that simple.

Take me away with you! Let's run off together! 
   An elopement with my King-Lover!
We'll celebrate, we'll sing, 
   we'll make great music.
Yes! For your love is better than vintage wine. 
   Everyone loves you—of course! And why not?
Songs of Solomon 1:4