The call to follow Christ is a call to obedience, but the path is not always easy. In a sermon delivered on July 9, 2025, Missionary Reilly Featherstone draws from John 21 and Matthew 28 (King James Version) to illustrate the stark contrast between obedience and disobedience. Using the example of the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, he emphasizes that our choices either lead to God’s blessings or to consequences that distance us from His purpose. This message challenges believers to reflect on their walk with the Lord, whether in their roles, ministries, or daily decisions.
Disobedience Leads To Failure
In John 21:1-3, we find the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, also known as the Sea of Galilee, despite Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 28:16 to meet Him on a mountain in Galilee. This act of disobedience, though seemingly minor, placed them outside God’s will. Simon Peter, perhaps impatient or doubting his calling to fish for men, declared, “I go a fishing” (John 21:3). The other disciples followed, and they fished all night but “caught nothing.” This failure underscores a critical truth: when we stray from God’s direction, our efforts, no matter how skilled or determined, lead to fruitless outcomes. Peter, an experienced fisherman, knew the sea well, yet his disobedience resulted in empty nets. Similarly, when we ignore God’s prompting—whether to serve, give, or fulfill our roles as spouses, parents, or children—our actions yield failure, not because of our inability but because we are outside His plan.
Disobedience Will Weaken Our Relationship With The Lord
Disobedience not only leads to failure but also affects our fellowship with God. In John 21:4-5, Jesus stood on the shore, unrecognized by the disciples, and asked, “Children, have ye any meat?” (John 21:5). Their response, “No,” admitted their failure, and Jesus’ question was not to gather information but to stir their consciences. The term “children” reflects a general address, not the intimate call of “disciples” or “friends,” signaling a strained connection due to their disobedience. When we choose our own path—whether returning to old habits, neglecting our God-given roles, or ignoring His call to serve—it creates a distance in our relationship with Him. As Missionary Featherstone shared, during times of disobedience, prayers may feel like they “don’t even leave the room.” While salvation remains secure (John 10:28-29), disobedience weakens the intimacy of our walk with Christ, leaving us spiritually unfulfilled.
When We Obey The Lord, There Is A Reward
The turning point in John 21:6 comes when the disciples obeyed Jesus’ command to “cast the net on the right side of the ship.” The result was a miraculous catch of fish so abundant that “they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.” This obedience triggered a recognition in John, who declared, “It is the Lord” (John 21:7), recalling a similar miracle in Luke 5. Peter, eager to restore fellowship, leapt into the sea to reach Jesus. Their obedience not only brought physical provision but also restored their communion with Christ, as seen in the breakfast Jesus prepared (John 21:9-13). This account illustrates that obedience aligns us with God’s blessings, meeting our needs and deepening our relationship with Him. Whether it’s giving generously, serving in ministry, or faithfully fulfilling our roles, obedience brings rewards that far exceed our efforts.
Be Patient and Wait On The Lord
The disciples’ decision to leave the mountain for the sea reflects a lack of patience, a common struggle in our Christian walk. Jesus had appointed a place for them to wait, yet they grew restless and reverted to their old ways. Missionary Featherstone draws a parallel to our lives, noting how we might dismiss God’s prompting to serve, give, or step out in faith due to inconvenience or fear of the unknown. However, the lesson from John 21 is clear: patience and obedience go hand in hand. Waiting on the Lord requires trust that His timing and plan are perfect. When we obey and wait, as the disciples eventually did, we experience His provision and presence. As Psalm 27:14 declares, “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
Conclusion
The story of the disciples in John 21 serves as a powerful reminder that our choices shape our spiritual journey. Disobedience may seem harmless, but it leads to failure and a weakened connection with God. In contrast, obedience, though sometimes challenging, brings abundant blessings and restores our fellowship with the Savior. As Missionary Featherstone urged, we must not leave unchanged but strive to align our lives with God’s will. Whether in our roles as spouses, parents, or servants in His kingdom, let us commit to obeying the Lord, trusting Him to provide, and waiting patiently for His guidance. By doing so, we will experience the fullness of His blessings and the joy of walking closely with Him.
