Lunch with Friends

 Going out to lunch with friends is one of the joys of life for me.  Gathering together around a meal I didn't have to prepare at a fun place that perhaps I've never been to before, or haven't been to in a while, to chat to our hearts content with a friend is a special use of time.  It's a precious investment of time, really.  In this world when everything and everyone is just running around trying to keep our heads above water, setting aside time for our loved ones should be a priority.  And friends should be a priority.  I believe good friends are God's gift to us so we can continue our walk on this valley of shadows and darkness.  So, it is only fitting that we would dedicate time regularly to be in each other's company to strengthen one another and refuel...to pause from our daily struggles, catch our breathe and just chill a moment...a precious moment.  Hence, lunch dates with good friends!

Jesus knew the importance of gathering together with friends over meals.  He did it all the time during His ministry while He walked on this earth.  And He did it after His resurrection.  One instance that comes to mind was that early morning breakfast meeting by the sea of Galilee (John 21: 1-14).  That was the time when Peter and some of the other disciples went fishing to find some comfort in the familiar activity after the surreal events that had just happened, but they couldn't catch any fish.  It was then that they saw the Lord making breakfast by the shore.  

It was just the most perfect thing Jesus could do for them, to bring them comfort and renewal: to share a meal with them.  And the apostles reacted on cue: they jumped out of the boat.  They didn't think about it.  Peter himself, the one who had been afraid to get out of the boat on an earlier occasion, rolled up his outer garments, and jumped.  He wasn't going to pass up the opportunity this time around, no way.  Neither did the others.  What a tender moment of fraternal love!

It is curious to me how Jesus had food already prepared there, waiting for the others, but He said:  “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” John 21: 10  Why?  I can't help but wonder that this was to signal the importance of our contributions to the work of God.  Jesus was the One who provided the miracle of the giant catch, but He wants us to bring part of it as an offering back to Him...as a symbol of our gratitude and in humility for all the undeserved blessings.  He didn't need the extra fish.  He already had breakfast ready...but it was for us...to remember to bring the offering out of our first fruits.  

Peter went back to the boat and dragged the net to shore. The net broke.  I can only imagine the mayhem with all those fish jumping back into the water, or at least trying as they flapped around.  Peter probably became flustered, trying to not lose the catch, when Jesus says:  "Come and have breakfast." John 21: 12  It's almost possible to hear the, "it's OK, leave it be and come over here.  Sit down and eat."  What a moment...what a precious moment.  A moment to drop the burdens and just chill with the Lord...WOW!

As we continue to celebrate Easter in our hearts, let's remember to take the time to pause and hang out with our good friends, especially our friends from Scripture, mainly with our most important Friend, Jesus, so we can drop the burden, bring our offering and enjoy the comfort of His presence, like the comfort of the presence of our dearest Friends.  In His Precious Name.  Amen!