Messy Church Part 4: The Other Side

The Final Part of Our Series

As we conclude our Messy Church series today, we would love to hear how this series has impacted you. Please share your thoughts on our platforms or send us a WhatsApp message.

Let’s dive into our scripture for today from the Gospel of John.

John 21:1-6 (ESV) “After this, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will go with you.’ They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, ‘Children, do you have any fish?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because of the quantity of fish.”

Personal Reflection

I remember a holiday when I was about five or six years old, staying near the beach at Toti. My dad, who loved fishing but never caught anything, decided to take me fishing early one morning. My mom, skeptical, challenged him that if he caught a fish, she would clean and cook it. Confident she would win, we set out to the beach and fished for hours without success. Just as we were about to give up, my dad decided to try the other side of the rock pool. Suddenly, there was a pull on the line, and after much excitement, my dad reeled in a big shad. Guess who ended up cleaning and cooking the fish?

The Other Side

Many of us are on a fishing expedition in our daily lives. It’s the marriage you’re in, the family situation you’re managing, the business you’re trying to make successful. You’re investing time, energy, and passion, but sometimes it feels like a bad fishing trip with nothing to show for your efforts. This morning, let’s explore this feeling through Simon Peter’s experience.

John 21:4 “Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.”

Your parents, spouse, or children might not see your struggles, but God does. At Peter’s lowest hour, coming to shore empty-handed, Jesus was already waiting on the shore.

Psalm 34:15 (NLT) “The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.”

God sees and knows all your struggles and is standing on the shore. He collects all your tears and records them in His book (Psalm 56:8 NLT).

Recognizing God on the Shore

Before His crucifixion, Jesus was busy ministering to multitudes. After His resurrection, He still took the time to see the individual amidst His many responsibilities. Don’t think God has no time for you; perhaps you haven’t recognized Him waiting on the shore.

John 21:5-6 “Jesus said to them, ‘Children, do you have any fish?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because of the quantity of fish.”

The nets, the boat, and the fishermen were the same, but the direction changed. God uses the same gifts, passion, and situations you think are beyond repair to bring glory to Him. He turns messes into miracles.

Change Your Direction

Sometimes, we have the “Elijah Syndrome” (1 Kings 19) – “I am the only one left.” Give God some credit! He’s working in your situation. The method or direction might need to change. Elijah didn’t know about others because he was in hiding. Don’t hide – engage!

Acts 2 Church and Beyond

We often hear about wanting an Acts 2 church, but can we also have:

• An Acts 3 church where miracles happen at prayer meetings

• An Acts 4 church where services are shaken by God’s power

• An Acts 5 church with house-to-house gatherings (Life groups)

• An Acts 6 church where saints take on ministry

• An Acts 7 church with ordinary Christians used powerfully by God

• An Acts 8 church reaching people of influence

• An Acts 9 church seeing religious people converted

• An Acts 10 church reaching those not like us

• An Acts 11 church spreading the gospel even through persecution

• An Acts 12 church receiving miraculous answers to prayer

• An Acts 13 church sending out missionaries

Conclusion

Revisit John 21:6: “He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now…”

God is a God of the now. Faith is now, not tomorrow or yesterday. It is now that you face challenges and difficulties. Lay hold of what God said because He does not lie.

John 21:6 “They were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.”

From a night of empty fishing, remember Psalm 30:5: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Your story doesn’t end in the night. Daybreak brings joy and a breakthrough so abundant that you won’t be able to haul it in.