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.  John 21:7 

 

John 21:7 talks about, 'the disciple whom Jesus loved' without actually mentioning his name. Why? Because it’s your relationship with Jesus that gives you your identity! You know 'the disciple whom Jesus loved'...he was the disciple who lay with his head on Jesus’ breast...the one who was always worshipping, while the others argued about who should sit on the right or left... the one who outran Peter to the empty tomb to see whether or not Jesus was there. You know 'the disciple whom Jesus loved'... he’s the one who’s always standing up praising God in church... the one you can’t see around... the one who’s always in your way. Don’t despise 'the disciple whom Jesus loved' because he doesn’t act the way you think he should. The fact is, you need 'the disciple whom Jesus loved' on your boat... or on your management board... or in your pulpit. 'Why’s that?' you ask. Because when nobody else around you recognizes it, 'the disciple whom Jesus loved' will always tell you when the Lord is speaking. Listen: 'Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said... ‘It is the Lord!’' When you’re looking for a fresh word from God - spend time with somebody who really knows Him. When you need an answer to your prayers - come into agreement with someone who knows how to pray! You’ll know 'the disciple whom Jesus loved'... he’ll be the guy who’s saying 'I will praise the Lord no matter what... ' (Psalm 34:1); the one who believes 'He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less' (John 3:30). How’d you like to have that kind of relationship with God? You can - if you’re willing to pursue it with all your heart.

 

Prayer
Heavenly Father – help me look for and listen to 'the disciple whom Jesus loved'  in my life – who keeps me focused on you.  In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen