RESTORED TO DESTINY
12th Jun 2019
Jesus told us in John 3:17 that He didn’t come into this world to condemn us, but to save us, to rescue us from whatever traps have ensnared us. To be "born again" equals a new start in life, under new ownership, and always with the Holy Spirit to help and enable. This is good news.
The wrong picture that many have of God tells them He is against them, watching for the opportunity to criticise and punish, which is totally at variance with what Jesus said and did.
Peter denied Jesus and in his desire to protect himself he speaks before he thinks, and later is full of remorse and shame. After the death of Jesus he goes back to fishing, to an occupation where he can feel successful and ease the pain. John 21 tells of him meeting the resurrected Jesus.
It is interesting that Peter does not seek to hide or sail in the opposite direction. He puts on his outer garment and gets ready to greet Jesus. You wouldn’t be so eager if you were expecting a negative reaction.
Peter, so used to self sufficiency, is welcomed by Jesus to breakfast, fed with fish and bread he did not provide and warmed by a fire he had not lit. He is then asked three times, “Do you love me?” Peter responds with a positive “Yes” that counteracts the three denials made earlier.
Jesus then talks about his future destiny and affirms His trust in Peter. He is told that his new task requires total dependance on the Holy Spirit. He will not work alone, but together with the other disciples. He is to care for the “sheep and lambs” entrusted to him by Jesus.
Likewise Jesus has a destiny for each one of us, we also are asked to follow, to let Jesus be in the driving seat; and if we fail, act wilfully or sin deliberately, we can come back to Jesus in repentance, knowing He is always waiting to receive and restore us and point us back to our original purpose.
Peter’s failure, independence, and downfall is changed by the restoration of Jesus to empower him to give the good news to those entrusted to him. Read Peter’s letters and see how this broken man received mercy, forgiveness and was able to let go of the past and move into his destiny. You can do the same!
Thank you Jesus, You are full of mercy and compassion, You know our weaknesses, but are able to change us so that we can fulfil our destiny.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
