ROM THE HEART OF PETER is a blog devotional series. Although the insights are not absolutes, they present possible thoughts and actions of Peter throughout scripture. Enjoy the journey. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
FROM THE HEART OF PETER
PART 4
RESTORATION
Author, Carla McDougal
Based on John 21:18-25
Receiving the bread, I notice His hand... His nail-scared hand. Once again shame rises from the deep. Disappointment lingers. Regret remains. If only... I stop short as our eyes meet. Full of compassion Jesus smiles. But how? Doesn't He remember my failure? My denial? My rejection?
Robed with guilt, I eat the fish. A flashback occurs. The miracle of feeding the five-thousand. A lump forms. I still don't understand how He multiplied the two loaves of bread and five fish. And with leftovers to spare. In the midst of my daydream I hear these words...
Simon, do you love Me more than these?
Meeting eye-to-eye I respond with excitement...
Yes, Lord, You know I love you.
Jesus says...
Then feed my lambs.
Simon, do you love Me?
Again I answer...
Yes, Lord, You know I love you.
With a hint of firmness Jesus says...
Tend My sheep.
He repeats the question a third time...
Simon, do you love Me?
Tears well-up. With a heavy heart and a downcast spirit I respond...
Lord, You know all things; You know I love You.
In a tender, yet serious tone Jesus says...
Feed My sheep.
Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted to go; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.
Follow Me.
All of a sudden, the burden of sin releases. Chains of the past break. The result - Restoration.
Adorned with forgiveness, I desire to move forward. Basking in His grace and mercy brings a smile. Until - John, The Beloved Disciple, comes into view. Will he experience a gruesome death too? Without thinking, these words pour out...
But, Lord, what about this man?
Jesus responds twice with the same statement...
If it's My will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?
My head bows from yet another disappointing choice. Once again my focus shifted from Jesus to others. Just like the time Jesus called me out of the boat to walk on water. All went well until my eyes shifted from Jesus to my surroundings. Fear set in. But, Jesus' gentle hand whisked me from my demise. Humbleness washes over me. Under my breath I whisper... Thank you, My Lord, for Your forgiveness.
Raising my head, I focus my attention once again on Jesus. He asks me to follow, I will follow. He commands me to lead, I will lead. He directs me to tend, I will tend. Immediately, purpose fills my heart. Passion ignites my spirit. Not because of anything I have done, but all because of Him.
LIFE CHALLENGE... Are you in need of restoration? Are you carrying the weight of sin? Lighten the load by surrendering to the one who paid the price for your sin - Jesus. Restoration is a heartbeat away. Thank the Lord for His mercy, grace, love, and forgiveness!
Read John 21:18-25
FROM THE HEART OF PETER - Next in the Blog Devo Series...
From My Heart to Yours,
Founder of Reflective Life Ministries
Award-winning author of My Prayer Chair