A SECOND CHANCE

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Have you ever done something that has left you with shame? You knew you had done wrong, and you wanted a second chance to fix it. You felt the pain of guilt so you tried different methods to squelch it.  I’m sure Peter could attest to this.

Poor Peter had followed Jesus, loved Jesus, and was His disciple. Yet in a moment of panic, He denied knowing Jesus, not once, but three times. To make matters worse, Jesus was there and heard him after Peter boldly proclaimed to Jesus, “I will never deny you.”

Peter felt shame as soon as the words were out of his mouth and the cock crowed. He wept bitterly. I’m sure Peter wished he could take it all back. He probably yearned with everything inside himself, that He could make amends, especially watching his Lord dying on the cross. When Jesus took his last breath, with it went all of Peter’s hopes of restitution. Peter was in agony.

Peter soon went back to fishing with his friends, his prior vocation before he became a follower of Christ. Maybe he could find a little comfort in something familiar. Unfortunately, the lack of success probably matched his mood. Then he heard a voice on the shore yell out, “Friends, have you caught any fish?” They admitted their failure. The man then told them to cast their net on the other side of the boat.

When they did, the net was full of fish; 153 fish to be exact. The nets did not break, as they lumbered in an attempt to reel it into the boat. And then it happened; Peter suddenly heard the words, “It’s the Lord!” He quickly put on his clothes, and jumped out of the boat.

Can you imagine the joy, mixed with bewilderment and surprise, to see his beloved Master, who had died a few days prior… now alive? Peter was given hope, a second chance at setting things right. Jesus asked Peter one question, three times, the same number of denials,  “Do you love me?” Peter was grieved by the third time being asked the same question. He said, “Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you.”

Jesus gave Peter a specific mission. He was told to go, feed, and take care of the sheep. Peter obeyed. His message of salvation through the one and only Savior, Jesus Christ, still calls us (the sheep) to God’s throne today. At the feet of Jesus we are given hope. We are given a second chance. We are given forgiveness.

Recognize the one calling you friend. It truly is the Lord! He is standing at the shore of your life, beckoning you to listen to His voice. Jump out of your boat of circumstances, and come to Him. It’s time you rid yourself of shame. He is offering you a second chance. Don’t delay. He is calling you now.

Oh Lord Jesus, I come to you now. Amen