John 21
This would have to be one off my favourite chapters in the Gospels – It has everything that connects with me at a very personal level. The disciples doing what they know when confronted with a situation that don’t know how to deal with – they go fishing. How real is that! Jesus comes to them in their escapism and invites them to a miracle meal. He shows them compassion and meets them exactly where they are at. Jesus then reconciles the disciple Peter back to himself – redeeming his denials by inviting him to name his love and to participate in Jesus’ very own mission. The call to ‘follow’ Jesus is heard again and is re-instated as the force that gives life and hope and direction to Peter and the other disciples. Peter is personally called by Jesus and told something of lies ahead of him. And typical of Peter he says ‘what about the other bloke (the beloved disciple) and Jesus gently but clearly says, ‘it is not for you to worry about’ – in other words ‘Peter don’t be distracted…focus on your call and on your relationship with me (Jesus).
I guess over the years I have let this passage be one that ‘reads’ me and my life. I too, am easily distracted by all manner of things, but Jesus persistently and lovingly calls me to His purposes and to relationship with Him first and foremost. Jesus does meet me where I am at and feeds me and reconciles me and sends me to the greatest mission there is – ‘feed my lambs…feed my sheep’ A fisherman becomes a shepherd…who would have thought? [Prayer - LORD you know I love you. Amen]
