May 4, 2022
What does it say?
The resurrected Christ met with His disciples by the Sea of Galilee.
What does it mean?
The last two verses of the previous chapter appear to be the perfect ending to John’s epistle. However, without Chapter 21 we would lose three important lessons from the life of Peter. First, God seeks to restore His followers after a failure of faith. Next, God forgives His children and gives them responsibilities. Both of these principles are seen in how Jesus gently but firmly reinstated Peter, giving him work to do right away. Finally, God has a unique plan for each believer. When Peter questioned the future, Jesus turned his focus from other disciples to the task ahead.
How should I respond?
Is there a spiritual wipeout in your past? Most of us would have to say, “Yes.” Past failure doesn’t mean the Lord has given up on you; we serve a God who is always willing to give us another chance. We find forgiveness and restoration to serve the Lord when we genuinely and humbly repent of sinful thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Ask God what responsibility He has for you in your community and local church. Which of His “sheep” or “lambs” has God given you to “feed” and “tend”? If He leads you down a difficult path, like Peter, stay focused on your task and accept the challenge, “Follow Me.”