Come and Dine by Dave Evans
Dave Evans recently retired from his career as an estimator for an electrical contractor, but still works part-time. He recently served as Body Care Pastor for a small church and previously taught at a local Bible College for several years. God led him to found and serve in several outreach ministries—a pet therapy ministry, visiting several skilled nursing facilities and retirement homes: a prayer booth on a local street corner to allow people in the community to stop by for prayer needs and an evangelism table, typically set up once a month at various malls or stores, which made Bibles, tracts, DVDs, and other Christian materials available free of charge to interested shoppers. Dave has a bachelor’s degree in business administration/management. As a writer, he has had many poems and articles published in various periodicals and books. And he’s been privileged to do volunteer work for a local police department.
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The events surrounding the Crucifixion were past and Jesus had already appeared twice to the disciples after His resurrection. One day, as a number of disciples gathered together, Peter announced he was going fishing. Six others decided to join him, but after they had fished all night, they had nothing to show for their labors. As day was breaking, a solitary figure on the shore called out to them, inquiring if they had any meat. Upon hearing their negative response, He instructed them to cast the net on the other side of the boat. They did and caught a multitude of fish. Suddenly, John realized the figure on the shore was Jesus. Peter then hurriedly jumped in the water and swam to shore while the others guided the boat to land where a fire was burning with a meal of fish and bread prepared and waiting for them. Then, “Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine…” (John 21:12a KJV) All night long they had labored and now, after a new day had dawned, they were undoubtedly weary and hungry. And so, what a surprise it must have been when they realized it was the Resurrected Master who had invited them to come and dine with Him, to share a meal with Him, and to fellowship with Him. The one who invited them to come and dine was the same one who claimed— “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:48 NKJV) He is also the living water who will quench the thirst of all who drink. Jesus, the bread of life and the living water, gives and sustains life. And just as we need physical food to eat to nourish ourselves, we also must continually dine on Him as our spiritual bread and water to flourish.
