We have all failed. And I think if we all took time to seriously evaluate our lives honestly we would find that in some caliber we have failed in a pretty extraordinary way. I was reading in John this morning, in the 21st chapter (verses 1-11) we hear the account of Jesus appearing to his followers for the third time. What I find so captivating about this story is that Peter was there. Jesus appears to the man that denied him not once, not twice…but three times. And how did Jesus handle it? Here was Peter standing face to face with the Son of God, the same Jesus that he spent most of his life following. The same man that watched miracle after miracle…The same man that he denied even knowing Him…
Jesus didn’t take this opportunity to teach him a lesson (the hard way); he didn’t even seize the moment and whip out a parable. Nope he simply offered Peter a warm fire and some breakfast. What kind of love is this that even when one of his closest friends betrayed Him…he still loves him…unconditionally? Peter failed…and so have I. The hope that I have is the same as that of the fisherman and disciple from years ago. I have the hope in a Father that wants to have a LOVING relationship with me. Even when I fail him…he is waiting with breakfast and a warm fire. My prayer time today was spent praying for you. Praying for our churches; my prayer is that we would find this sort of compassion for not only each other, but also for the lost that are looking for this hope.
I was talking to someone the other day that told me of this “list” of people that had hurt them in our church for one reason or another. This reasons stemmed from “We watch their kids and they don’t watch ours.” to “They never take the initiative to be my friend.” How sad it is that we have allowed our “feelings” to come between us. Can you imagine the love and compassion that our churches would have if we provided breakfast and a fire for those that betray us…for those that fail us? Can you imagine how many more people would be in our churches if we showed them that Jesus loved them instead of telling them?
I don’t think our buildings could contain the revival that would take place. That’s how Jesus changed the world…one person at a time. How are we doing at changing the world? Are we truly loving people in our churches and in our communities the way that we expect Jesus to love us?
My challenge to you today…go find someone that has betrayed you and give them breakfast and a warm fire…you’ll be glad you did…and so will they.
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