There is another parable we must glean from the amazing story of Flight 1549 in the Hudson River. On board this flight were 150 passengers and 3 crew members. After the evacuation of these 153 people, the pilots walked the plane from the cockpit to the back cabin, being certain that all 153 were safely out and accounted for. How might this be God's living illustration of John 21:10-11? Here we see the resurrected Yahshua on the shore, watching the disciples on a fishing boat out in the water. "Yahshua said to them, 'Bring some of the fish you have just caught.' Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn."I believe that God never, ever puts a number in His Word unless it has significant meaning for us. Why else would He bother to give us so many accurate numbers in the description of His people, His tribes, His number of days and dates? Yet, 153 is a really unusual number! I do not think it is used anywhere else in Scripture, unlike God's favorite numbers of 7, 12, 70, 40, etc. Why 153 fish? And is the number of passengers and crew saved out of the icy waters of the Hudson a message for us from our Father who is showing us that He is keeping safe every single person appointed to salvation - and even with so many His net will not be torn? Is He showing us that Adonai Tzava'ot, the Captain of the Host, (like Capt. Sullenberger) is going from the front to the back to make sure that all 153 are safe and accounted for?
I believe so. I believe that for those who have eyes to see, this whole event of the US Airways jet in the Hudson was a parable of great blessing and encouragement for believers! It was a way of showing us that as Yahshua promised, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them and they follow Me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish, and no one can snatch them out of My hand." [Or my "net"!] Not one will be missing - even as Yahweh reminds us about all of His creation - His stars, His livestock, and His re-gathered, restored people of Israel:
Isa. 40:26: "Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, NOT ONE OF THEM IS MISSING!"
Exodus 10:26: "Our livestock too is to go with us. NOT A HOOF IS TO BE LEFT BEHIND."
Jeremiah 23:3-4 "I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have scattered them, and will bring them back to their pasture where they will be fruitful and increase in number. I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, NOR WILL ANY BE MISSING, says the Lord."
We are living in a time of the greatest harvest for Yahshua that the world has ever known. Let us be people who want to share our faith and do our part to ensure that not one will be missing!
