What steps can we take to be more receptive to Jesus' revelations today? The Setting: A Familiar Shore “After this, Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed Himself in this way:” (John 21:1) The disciples, back in Galilee as instructed, positioned themselves for encounter. Their availability invited revelation. Why Jesus Keeps Revealing Himself - The word “again” shows His continuous desire to make Himself known. - Hebrews 13:8: Jesus is unchanging, so His self-revelation continues. - John 14:21: love and obedience attract His self-disclosure. Step One: Return to the Place of Obedience - Obedience to earlier guidance (Matthew 28:10; Mark 16:7) placed them in the right spot. - Acts 5:32 links the Spirit’s witness to obedient hearts. - Ongoing obedience readies believers for fresh insight. Step Two: Stay With Fellow Believers - Revelation came to a group, not a lone seeker. - Hebrews 10:25 urges consistent gathering. - Fellowship sharpens spiritual sensitivity (Proverbs 27:17). Step Three: Be Faithful in Everyday Tasks - They were fishing—ordinary work—when Jesus appeared (John 21:3-4). - Luke 16:10: faithfulness in little prepares for more. - Serving Christ in routine moments attracts divine moments. Step Four: Keep Expectation Alive - Even after an unproductive night, they watched the shoreline at dawn. - Psalm 5:3 portrays expectant waiting. - Hopeful expectancy keeps the heart alert. Step Five: Tune Your Ear to His Word and Spirit - The disciples obeyed a voice before recognizing the Person (John 21:6-7). - Romans 10:17: hearing the Word builds faith. - Regular Scripture intake trains the ear for His whispers (John 10:4-5). Step Six: Respond Immediately When He Speaks - Casting the net “on the right side” led to abundance (John 21:6). - James 1:22: doers, not hearers only. - Swift obedience deepens intimacy (John 14:23). Step Seven: Let Scripture Shape Your Perspective - John 20:31 frames all revelation: deeper belief, fuller life. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Scripture equips for every good work. - A Scripture-saturated mind discerns His voice above others. Living Receptively Today - Walk in daily obedience. - Remain in fellowship. - Serve faithfully where you are. - Nurture hopeful expectancy. - Immerse yourself in the Word. - Act promptly on His guidance. - Let Scripture renew your thinking. These deliberate choices place modern disciples on their own “Galilean shoreline,” where the risen Lord still delights to reveal Himself again and again. |
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