It was an earthly morning when the Lord stood on the earthly shore, but He stood there in resurrection life. The setting of the verse, “But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore” (John 21:4), is easily grasped as the chapter is read down.
But though Scripture has but one interpretation it may have more than one application. This verse was certainly beautifully applied when an aged Christian lady gave instructions that these words should be carved on her tombstone. This is the night for the Christian. He is a child of the day, and does not walk in darkness for he has the light of the Scripture and the unction of the Holy Spirit, but still he walks in the night. The morning comes. It comes for believers one by one as they fall asleep in Jesus, or we may all go together at the summoning shout. But when we reach the heavenly shore we shall find the blessed Lord there, ready to give us a greeting the like of which we have never experienced. It comes with great sweetness. “But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore.” What a morning and what a welcome! We may well look forward to it with great anticipation. We believe that day is not far off. Any day, any night, any moment, and He may call us, and we shall find Him on the heavenly shore, and that will make the day to be day, and the place heaven.