A Timely Reminder - Thursday 31 May 07

When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. Luke 5:6-7 NIV
Jesus spoke to them “Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?”
They answered “No”
He said, “Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens”
They did what He said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren’t strong enough to pull it in.
Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter “It’s the Master” John 21: 5-9 The Message

These two readings catalogue the beginning and end of Peter’s physical walk with Jesus. The first is Luke’s version of his calling, the second John’s account of an incident after Jesus’ resurrection.
No wonder John and Peter were getting a sense of déjà vu. Jesus had just taken them back to the moment He called them. There was a reason for this. Peter had not quite yet understood that Jesus had forgiven him for denying his Lord on the morning He was crucified.
Jesus still very much trusted Peter to be the rock He would build His church on but Peter had suffered a real blow to his own confidence.
So Jesus gave Peter a chance to recommit, three times, one for each denial and to declare his genuine love for the risen Jesus. And once again Jesus gave him a mission, this time using the terminology of the Shepherd. ‘Feed my Sheep’.

How far have you strayed from your original calling? Have you allowed circumstances, or fear or desire to make you fail your Lord? This is the hope to which He has called us, there is a new beginning, every day if we need it. What He asks us is what He asked Peter “Do you love me?”

Why not tell Him now that you love Him, that you still want to serve Him and know His Will for your life. It doesn’t matter what you have done, your sin has died with Him on the cross. Accept His forgiveness and see what happens next.

Lord, help us to see you as you are, and to accept the forgiveness you won for us on the cross. Amen
Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered,"Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you." John 21:17-19 The Message