Lake Day.

There is something about being at the lake. Whether it’s playing, swimming, skiing, or hanging out with friends. It seems like the setting of water provides a calming backdrop to enjoying people and good conversation.

In the Bible book of Luke chapter 5, we find Jesus at the lake. I keep stumbling on to these things that are sometimes common to us that we don’t necessarily think about Jesus doing or enjoying and I think we end up robbing us and Jesus of sharing moments together that would be really special if they happened. Like thinking about Jesus hanging out at the lake. Like imagining you and me spending the afternoon at the lake with Jesus. No joke. Watermelon, swimming, conversation, and chicken fights in the water. Imagine Jesus being on your shoulders! I know that we are going to hear that Jesus taught the crowds that had gathered at the lake in these Bible verses, but I quite enjoy wondering in my imagination about it being really hot outside in that arid, middle eastern climate and Jesus deciding that He wants to go swimming. I like, and think it is actually valuable, to think about what it will be like to be with Jesus on the new earth (Bible book of Revelation chapter 21 verse 1). Perhaps a lake day with Jesus and friends! Not sure how we will reserve time with Him, but eternity is well....eternity! So let's practice thinking about spending time with Jesus when we actually get to see Him someday and perhaps that will also affect how we spend time with Him today. I like that thought.

And so at this particular lake day description in the Bible book of Luke chapter 5, we aren't getting details about watermelon and a belly flop contest, but we do receive a valuable picture to learn from. Jesus doesn't ditch us. As word spreads more and more about Jesus and the amazing things that He is doing like changing dirty water into wine and healing people who have been sick for a long time, people are naturally wanting to move towards this supernatural man, whether they realize who He really is or not.

On this particular day while Jesus and His friends are at the lake, the curious people start closing in around Him down by the lake shore and this is what we see Jesus do. He gets into Simon Peter's boat and.....and.....makes a quick get-a-way to the other side of the lake. Sigh. "I ditched 'em"! "Got away just in time"! No. He doesn't ditch em'. He doesn't ditch us. He creatively welcomes them to His words. He has Simon row out just a bit from the shore so that all those gathered can now see Him better and He sits down and kindly teaches them from the boat. He doesn't ditch them. He draws them in. He doesn't ditch us. He draws us in. That is comforting.

We are not a bother to Jesus. He actually wants to hang out with us at the lake. That is a good gift.

There's more.