A God of Details

February 19, 2020 by  
Filed under Daily Devotions, Worship

By Carin LeRoy –

When Jesus lived on earth, he did many miraculous things – turning water into wine, healing the sick, driving out demons and walking on water, to name a few. As we read about his life in Scripture, we sense that he is not ordinary; He is someone with power and authority.

While reading John 21 recently, I was struck with something else: God loves details. In this chapter, we read about the miraculous catch of fish. Eight of the disciples had fished all night, but caught nothing. This was their livelihood, so it could be the difference of not putting food on the table for their family.

Early the next morning standing on the shore Jesus calls out, “Friends, have you caught any fish?”

“No.”

“Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some,” Jesus said.

Obeying, they threw the net on the right side and brought in a huge haul of 153 fish – so heavy that seven strong men were unable to haul it in the boat. Although this is miraculous in itself, there is one detail that popped out at me: “…but even with so many the net was not torn,” (John 21:11 NIV).

Repairing torn nets was a necessary job of fisherman because even one hole would ruin the net’s integrity and limit the next catch. They could be torn by fish, rock or debris and hours could be spent each day repairing a damaged net to insure optimal results for the next time fishing.  This probably was their biggest haul of fish ever, yet God made sure that it did not tear. This wasn’t coincidence.

I love that God included this in Scripture. He not only provided them with more than enough for the morning catch, but he made sure they didn’t spend all day repairing a torn net. He wanted them to sit around the fire with Him.

Another detail I love? He provided breakfast. He sat on the shore cooking food for their return. He gave them bread and fish, (verse 13). They were exhausted and hungry after a night of fishing. Jesus fed them. Jesus took care of his disciples. He will take care of us, too. We have a powerful God that loves us – even down to the smallest details.

PRAYER:  Lord, thank You that even the details don’t escape Your attention. Help me not to take for granted all the ways that You look after me each day.

BIBLE VERSE: “Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are You?’ They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish,” (John 21: 12,13 NIV).

About Carin LeRoy

Today's devotional is by Carin LeRoy, wife to Dale and mother of three grown children and one almost-grown teenager. She has been a missionary with Pioneers since 1982. Her passions are family, missions, piano, and writing to challenge others to live faithful lives for God.
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Comments

4 Responses to “A God of Details”
  1. Jarrod says:

    Carin ~

    I really like this scene in scripture. Not only do you see a “God of Details” but I also see a God who asks people to do unexpected or “crazy” things.

    To have a carpenter ask fishermen to do something that the carpenter should know nothing about is crazy, to me. So, when I think that I am being asked to do something that Jesus “should know nothing about,” I throw out the net. Who knows how big the catch will be!

    I have a net on my office wall that is a reminder of Mark’s version of this scene.

    Casting out my net…even when it’s crazy!

    • Carin LeRoy says:

      Thanks, Jarrod. You’re so right about God asking us to do crazy things. He asked me to write, and I thought that was “crazy!” Yet what an encouragement to know He blesses our obedience. I love the reminder of the net on your office wall.

  2. Hally Franz says:

    We may never have noticed the absence of a comment about the net not being damaged, but it is meaningful that it is there. Thank you for being a disciminating reader and sharing that observation with us!

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