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Text: John 21:3-7

No Time for Spiritual Vacations

Introduction

The whole idea behind vacation is that we vacate the routines and grinds of life (usually those associated with our vocation) for more restful and family-oriented activities. Most right thinking individuals see this as a healthy thing, providing both physical and spiritual benefits for the practitioners. I certainly feel that way. Yet there is the temptation to become lax in our devotion to the Lord Jesus. This temptation presents itself to the child of God 365 days a year, and transcends the summer months. In terms of our walk with God, there is no time for a vacation.

In the 21st chapter of John’s Gospel we find the notorious words of Peter--"I go a fishing" (v.3). With him are 6 other disciples. In putting together post-resurrection events, it appears that Peter and these other men, in accordance with Jesus’ instruction to meet them on a mountain in Galilee, were headed north to meet that objective. I am convinced that this meeting was planned at the same place the Transfiguration of Christ occurred. Perhaps the disciples were to receive another glimpse of glory. On the way to the mountain, they passed by the sea of Tiberias, which for Peter had been his livelihood, his security, his vocation. At this critical juncture he opts to vacate his spiritual responsibility to Christ for a night of fishing. Moreover, this decision on Peter’s part appears to have been a return to his former occupational pursuit.

Some may argue that this was no big deal, that things turned out well in the end. I agree that things turned out well. But I would argue that this decision to vacate spiritual assignments for an otherwise noble endeavor was in fact costly.

Observations

Surrounding this night of fishing are three distinct and vital issues that present themselves to us.

I. The Issue of Influence

The 6 men with Peter responded by affirming, "We also go with thee"(v.3). We have few valuables in this life more important than our influence. We are surrounded by followers who take our lead. They think that what’s good for us is likewise okay for them. May God make us mindful of the enormity of influence upon those who follow our example. No spiritual vacation is worth misleading others!

II. The Issue of Ineffectiveness

The Bible says, "They caught nothing"(v.3). I remind us that there was a wealth of experience in that boat. But experience counts for little outside of the will and good pleasure of God. What Jesus performed here was not a miracle. It was Divine providence. The fish were there, but kept from the net until it was the Lord’s will to fill it. Brethren, our best intentions and talents will always prove ineffective when we vacate the clear directives of the Lord Jesus Christ.

III. The Issue of Insensitivity

Jesus was standing on the shore, but "the disciples knew not that it was the Lord" (v.4). This voice that they had heard echo across this very lake on numerous occasions went unrecognized. He asks, "Children, have ye any meat?"(v.5), and they do not perceive. It is not until "the multitude of fishes"(v.6) that John says to Peter, "It is the Lord" (v.7). Here is an important truth! When it takes works rather than words to get our attention, our spiritual condition has suffered! The cancer in Christendom today is the importance placed upon sensational works at the expense of eternal words. When congregations are built by performers rather than preachers, we are in serious trouble! The entertainment mentality rampant among evangelicals caters to this insensitivity. The church is in desperate need of expositors, not exhibitionists!

Conclusion

Brethren, in the spiritual realm, there is no time for a vacation. These men have documented that truth clearly! This night of fishing carried a spiritual price tag that no child of God should be willing to pay!

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