December 8, 2021Do you look forward to a new year? I know it’s a few weeks away, but as I looked at magazines in a store yesterday, I saw covers that talked about this year like it was already finished. I am starting to get used to writing 2022, as I prepare program outlines for radio broadcasts of “La Voix de l’Ēvangile.” This week, Pastor Michel Martel recorded messages for the months of January and February. Even though I was a Cub and a Scout in the 1960s and quickly learned the motto of these organizations – “Be prepared” – I must admit that I have not always planned as I should have. Studying the gospel of John in recent months has helped me learn the importance of asking the Lord to guide me.
In John 21, we see that the Lord restored Peter after he denied knowing Christ (see John 18:25-27). It is interesting that Jesus had prepared a fire to cook fish (John 21:9). It was near a fire that Peter had warmed himself before denying that he knew Jesus (18:18, 25) and now he sees that the Lord had prepared breakfast over coals on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. John records that “this is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead” (21:14). The first two post-resurrection appearances of Jesus are recorded in John 20:19 and 26. The number 3 also represents the number of questions that the Lord Jesus asked Peter after breakfast.
In a commentary on John’s gospel, Edwin Blum writes: “Jesus’ threefold question and threefold commission of apostolic mission contrast directly with Peter’s three denials. Three times Peter said he did not even know the Lord (18:17, 25, 27); now three times he said he loved the Lord (21:15-17). No matter how great a person is, he may fall (see 1 Cor. 10:12). But God’s grace and forgiveness will restore the repentant. This provision of grace would be important, for the church would soon face great persecution and even church leaders would waver in their commitments.” Perhaps you are struggling to follow the Lord wholeheartedly. Maybe you’ve allowed things to distract you from devotion to Christ. The Word of God urges us to turn from sin and commit our ways to the Lord. As we approach Christmas, where we remember the birth of Jesus, let’s determine to put Christ first and the peace of God will rule in our hearts (Col. 3:15).
Scripture for the weekend: “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books which were written.” John 21:25 (NASB)
Thought for the weekend: “What are Jesus’ last words in this Gospel? ‘You must follow me.’ This is His word to each one of us. May we all follow Him in loving obedience ‘till He come’!” – Dr. Henrietta C. Mears (from “What the Bible Is All About Bible Handbook” published by Regal Books, Ventura, CA)
By His grace,
Steve