The disciples had lost sight of their Lord, even though he had appeared to them in his resurrection body. Instead of heeding Jesus’ words and doing his will, they decided to go out fishing. Their labours were futile though and they caught nothing. Their thoughts were so far from the Lord, they didn’t even recognise him when they saw him standing on the shore. Even though they didn’t recognise him, they decided to do what he said.

The result of doing his will was a complete turnaround for their labour, with the result causing them to realise who he was. Jesus had already prepared a meal and could’ve just stood on the shore. He had no need for their fish, but he delighted in their joy. He wanted to involve them, and even took some of the fish they had caught to add to the meal.

Today, we are to do the same. We should keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, to read his word so that we know his will and to pray for he delights in our prayers. Whilst he doesn’t need us to labour, he delights in our labour and wants us to be fishers of men. Through all of this, he is glorified and our joy increases.

With the death of Moses, Joshua was appointed to lead the Israelites to the promised land. From being an assistant, God appointed him the top man. For many of us, change can be a scary thing, but if it is God appointed, we should have nothing to fear.

After all, the promises of Almighty God are enough to enable us to do his will. Why do we doubt the promises of God? When we look at Joshua, God kept his promises to him and brought the Israelites to the promised land. Even though the Israelites disobeyed God, he still brought them through.

The exodus from Egypt was also a picture of what God would do later through another Joshua, or Jesus in Greek. Just as Joshua brought the Israelites to the promised land, so Jesus will bring us safely home if we trust him and so obey him.