Kopi With Jesus
LENT 2025 DEVOTIONAL:
This Lent Devotional will continue for three more days after Easter, from Monday to Wednesday, so as to complete the entire Gospel of John.
John 21:1-14 (NIV)
(Benedict Tay, Associate Pastoral Team Member, Youth Ministry)
Simon Peter and the disciples decide to return to what they know best, fishing. After a long night of fishing that ends up with nothing, a familiar voice calls out to them telling them to cast their nets. Miraculously a great haul of fish awaits them. But more than just the provision of fishes, Jesus sets up a fire and invites them to have breakfast with him.
Whenever I read John 21, I’m reminded of a season of toil and exhaustion that I went through. Physically drained, mentally fatigued and spiritually dry, I recall being at the end of myself. Everything around me seemed to be falling apart. I became snappy with colleagues, was easily annoyed with friends around me and my relationship with my loved ones suffered as a result.
I knew that I needed Jesus. Yet, I felt like I had to do something, which meant continuing the toil and meeting the demands of everyone around me. I felt like Simon Peter, choosing to go back to what I knew best, to work with my hands.
It was only when I decided to take an extended period of rest through a silent retreat that I realised that Jesus was simply waiting to have breakfast with me. Just while I was thinking that I needed to do something to find God, God reminded me that He had already done the work and invited me to be still and be with him. Just like Jesus had set up the warm fire and delicious meal for His disciples, I found myself waking up each morning meditating on Psalm 100 while drinking a cup of coffee in the sweet presence of our Lord Jesus.
Coming back to Jesus is not about what I can do. Coming back to Jesus is recognising that the fire is already set, that the kopi is made and Jesus is inviting me to Lim Kopi (drink coffee) with him.
Every morning, let me endeavour to enjoy the sweet fellowship with Jesus
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for your Word and how You are always with me. Thank You for constantly drawing me towards You. Teach me, Lord, to desire You all the days of my life.
Reflection Questions:
1. Is Jesus inviting you to take a break from whatever you are doing and just come and have breakfast with Him?
2. Do you seek the presence of God alongside you whenever you are called to do His work?
3. What is your takeaway from v6: He (Jesus) said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
