(Read John 21 First)
EVERYDAY
Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some (v.6)
Notice Jesus resurrects into the midst of the everyday. Work still needed done – mouths needed fed. The disciples still had a set number of days left on earth. In the middle of this, they cry out “It is the Lord!” (v.7). There is a beautiful faith created in the everyday recognition of the God who is not above the mundane. Imagine this breakfast scene. A fire, a couple fish, a few tired and bruised disciples. You don’t need a building, smoke machine, or killer beard to see God’s presence. Immanuel God is with us, even today.
FORGIVENESS
15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter . . . (v.15)
Jesus doesn’t leave Peter, the man who denied him three times. Jesus engages him and in an interesting plot twist, he asks Peter three times for his devotion. Friend, it doesn’t matter what you have done or what has been done to you, forgiveness is always a better option. It is the call of Christ to forgive and restore. When we are at our worse, he is at his best. As Christ forgives Peter, we are to forgive, feed, and tend to those around us. The call of Christ is always outward reaching.
The grave is empty, death is defeated, Christ has risen. No longer do grudges, gossip, or false gods have any power over us. We are free saints unleashed to live with reckless abandon for the true purpose of man; to love and be loved by our perfect Father. Live today in that love. The crazy love of Jesus, fully man yet fully God, who came as a servant and who now reigns as King.
Pray: Lord, help me to see your cross in my life today. May what holds me back no longer have control but may I live humbly in the shadow of your victory at Calvary. Forgive me for not following you the way you deserve – thank you for the grace that makes a way for me. Bring your kingdom to earth and eternity into my heart. Words fall so terribly short in describing your great patience with us. Thank you for forgiving, loving, and challenging me. Spirit move in my heart today. Amen
Matt simon blog 