MAY 2 READING…JOHN 21
The Lord is very concerned with restoring those who have failed, or have a wayward heart, or even those who have sinned against Him. I, for one, am grateful for the longsuffering forgiveness of the Lord in my life. Forgiveness given needs to be forgiveness received in brokenness and humble repentance. All of us as human beings are in need of forgiveness and restoration…this is what Jesus does, and He is good at it. Peter had denied Jesus three times before the religious authorities at Jesus’ mock trial. Jesus called Peter to examine his heart and see if he really wanted to be a follower of Jesus. Jesus said, “Peter do you love me more than these?”…”Peter, do you really love me?”…If so, Peter feed my sheep…feed and tend to my people. When Jesus restores us He also calls us. There is no forgiveness or restoration apart from a call to service. As we minister to others, we demonstrate the love of Christ…love not only extended towards those we minister to, but our own love for Jesus. We are called to follow Jesus…follow Him into a world that will for the most part misunderstand our intentions, and many will even hate us. They hated Jesus, why would we assume they would ever love us? Jesus reminds us that our life, our destiny, and even our physical death is in His hands. He has a great plan for each of His genuine followers…and I am convinced that there is no better life.
Please share your thoughts.
TOMORROW’S READING…ACTS 1