Today’s scripture: Luke 22:31-34, 54-62; John 21:1-19 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Squire):
Today’s scripture is one of my favorites because it’s just saturated with grace. Peter had shown incredible disloyalty. He was disgusted with himself. He realized he had blown it and had no future with this new movement, and had gone back to his old life — what else could he do? “I go fishing.” It’s one of the saddest statements in all of scripture.
And then Jesus sought him out. Can you imagine what must have been going through Peter’s mind? To see the resurrected Christ must have emphasized to him just how much he’d thrown away. Surely Jesus wouldn’t want him back! (If something like this had gone down in a modern church, there would be official inquiries and “accountability panels” and a suspension of ministry until Peter could prove he was sufficiently rehabilitated — but that’s another meditation for another day.)
After a brief, touching conversation, Jesus simply says to Peter, “Follow Me.”
Wow.
This is good for me to keep in mind at this time of year, when I’m making plans for change and improvements. I know in the past I’ve refrained from making spiritual resolutions, for fear I’d fail. There was a nagging sense of dread in the back of my mind, that if I failed in my spiritual commitment God would be angry. So instead of starting a new quiet time endeavor, or a following through with a plan to donate a regular amount to church, it’s better to just not take that chance, right?
Jesus’ dealing with Peter shows me how wrong I was.
I wouldn’t recommend a cavalier attitude toward our spiritual goals. Make every effort to follow through. But if we don’t succeed as we had hoped, we don’t have to torture ourselves with guilt. Jesus makes it clear that each day is another opportunity to “Follow Me.”
Thought for the day: Dare to be bold with your spiritual resolutions. Give it your best effort. But if you fail, know that you’ll always be given the chance to try again.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.
We’re pleased to announce that our very first book of devotionals — entitled Quench! refreshing devotionals by gay, trans, and affirming Christians — is now available! It’s 100 meditations from the very best of Be Still and Know. More info at the new Found Pearl Press website; also available from Amazon.com.