Back to the Fire.

John 21:15-19; 1 Peter 3:18,21; 5:1-4. Last week, we reflected on the look. The paralyzing, heart reflecting, soul searching look. But is that where it ends? Of course not. Perhaps the one who gave you the look will sit you down and help you work out what you did and how to handle it. Perhaps you manage to work it out and approach the looker to seek reconciliation. Likely, a consequence follows, but hopefully, you are able to move forward from there. Naturally, there are times where the recovery takes time to stick, while other times, it’s quick and painless. It all depends on how you take the look. But how about Peter? He got the look, but he almost missed out on the recovery. Indeed, his fellow disciple, Judas, most certainly missed out on the recovery. He sought forgiveness, but lacked the patience to face the Lord, and ended himself. He only sought earthly forgiveness, telling the Sanhedrin that he condemned an innocent man, threw away the money, and went to hang himself. But Peter, in spite of denying Christ in front of a massive crowd, not once, not twice, but thrice, and running away in painful sorrow, he waited for Jesus’ verdict. Instead of seeking earthly forgiveness, he remembered what the Lord told him, that he would betray Jesus, denying Him three times, but, he should still hold faith and lift up his brothers. He was broken, but he held onto the kernel of faith that Jesus bestowed upon him, and when he saw Jesus again after the resurrection, he clung to the Lord hard. When the opportunity came, Jesus sought Peter out, gave him breakfast, and cleansed the sin. Not once, not twice, but thrice, He told Peter to feed His sheep. Instead of condemning Peter, He fed Peter, then told him to feed His sheep. Just think of that. Peter really messed, but instead of blasting him, or putting him on the sideline, Jesus made him breakfast, then affirmed the job He gave Peter at the beginning. Jesus called him Cephas, the rock, and on this rock, He would build His church. He still had the job, to lead and grow the church. Any other leader would have fired Peter, but Jesus knows Peter and had full control. He knew exactly what was going to happen, and how to prepare Peter for the job to come. He showed Peter that he could completely trust in Jesus, because His word is truth. He would even accept denial to strengthen Peter’s faith. Can you imagine, serving like that after such incredible failure? We saw in Acts just how strong a leader Peter would become, proving Jesus was completely right to choose Peter. But also, proving that Jesus can take anyone and create in them exactly the type of person needed for the mission. Peter was an uneducated man, a simple fisherman, not a scholar, not a priest, just a common man. Yet he preached through the Holy Spirit and saved thousands. Jesus taught that with man, salvation was impossible, but with God, all things are possible. Doesn’t that give you joy and hope, brothers and sisters? Throughout the Bible, God chose people with serious problems, completely transformed them, and had them accomplish great things. How much more can we do, with the tools and gifts we have in this era? We just need to have faith, and hear the call, and we can do so much more. With God, all things are possible, and with God, we will have victory. So fear not, failure isn’t the end. Mistakes will not establish you. Rather, everything that happens has a purpose, to prepare us, refine us in the fire, and bring us out better than before. Do not give up, do not end yourself because of failure. Learn from it, and rely on Him who gave us life, who made our mouths, our eyes, our hands, our feet, our minds, and let Him lead. Amen, and amen. Come join us to be blessed and to bless! Visit the New Life Korean Presbyterian Church Website to learn more: 새생명 장로교회 | New Life Presbyterian Church (nlpcva.com)