Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

13 June 2025

Reading From John 21

“Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.”—John 21:7-9

John 21 brings back so many memories of the time that the disciples had with Jesus. Even though this was the third time the Lord had appeared to them after His resurrection, life just wasn’t the same. He wasn’t with them all the time as He was before. I can picture them sitting around staring off blankly when Peter breaks the silence. He tells them he’s going back to what he knew before their adventures with the Savior and the trauma of His trial, torture, death, burial and resurrection.

This miraculous catch in John 21 harkens back to when they first met Jesus in Matthew 5:1-11. Peter jumping out of the boat and into the water reminded me of when he had walked on water toward the Lord. The breakfast of bread and fish that Jesus was making for them on the hot coals made me think of the meal He fed to the multitudes.

Early morning is my favorite time of the day. The air is fresh and clean and the landscape brightens with the first golden rays of the dawn. There is a peace and a calm about early morning. One day in the New Earth, I would like to have breakfast with Jesus on the seashore. To be with Him and commune with Him on a level even deeper than the original disciples were is something I long for in my inmost being.

“Jesus, thank You for Your Presence. I yearn for the day when my faith will be made sight. Amen.”

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.—John 14:3