John 21 -- Another Chance

I sure like what Max Lucado said about this chapter in his book He Still Moves Stones.  Peter and the other disciples were fishing on the Sea of Galilee, and early one morning after a night of catching nothing, Jesus calls to them from shore, directing them to cast the net to the other side of the boat.  John and Peter both recognize that it’s Jesus giving the directions:

“Peter plunges into the water, swims to the shore, and stumbles out wet and shivering and stands in front of the friend he betrayed …

For one of the few times in his life, Peter is silent.  What words would suffice?  The moment is too holy for words …

What do you say at a moment such as this?  It’s just you and God.  You and God both know what you did.  And neither of you is proud of it.  What do you do?

You might consider doing what Peter did.  Stand in God’s presence … Stand in His sight.  Stand still and wait.  Sometimes that’s all a soul can do.

Too repentant to speak, but too hopeful to leave – we just stand.  Stand amazed. 

He has come back.  He invites you to try again.  This time, with Him.”

Father, I cannot thank You enough for giving me grace and forgiveness.  Over the years, I’ve presented my biggest failures to You, trusting in Your promises, and again and again You have restored me and healed me, forgiven me and forgotten my sins.  Then You’ve asked me to try again, this time with You.  I couldn’t ask for a better friend!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford