JESUS SPEAKING
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said,“Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” A third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” […] and when he had said this he said, “Follow me.” (John 21: verse 15 – 19.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
On the night that Jesus was arrested, most of his disciples abandoned him. As the armed soldiers escorted Jesus to the high priest for questioning, Peter (being strong willed), followed at a distance. When they arrived at their destination, Peter sat down and watched as an angry crowd condemned his master. They hurled insults at him and spit on him; they also blindfolded Jesus and repeatedly struck him in the face. As Peter observed the brutality of the mob, his heart began to fail; his confidence gave way to fear. Three times he was asked if he was a follower of Jesus Christ; three times he denied his affiliation and he ran off disgraced and ashamed. After being crucified and buried, Jesus rose from the dead. One day as the disciples were fishing he appeared to them; they shared in a time of food and fellowship. The Lord then took Peter aside; he mercifully refrained from condemning him for his previous failures. Instead, Jesus completely absolved him of his sins, and lovingly gave him a second chance. He called Peter to continue in ministry, and to lead and care for those who would eventually come to believe in the Son of God.
In the late 18 and early 1900’s there lived an ambitious inventor named Thomas Edision. He is credited with inventing the battery, the phonograph, the telegraph, the movie projector, and many other well known devices. One of his greatest inventions was the first industrial light bulb (an item we still use today.) As the story goes, it took Mr. Edison and an entire team of men, 24 hours to produce the first working prototype. After the many long hours, Edison gave the bulb to a young boy to carry up the stairs. With the fragile device in his hands, the nervous assistant slowly started his ascent; every step was a carefully planned exercise. Sadly, despite the child’s careful observance, he mistakenly shattered the bulb. The disappointed team began again to manufacture another. Twenty four hours later, the new bulb appeared. Although the young assistant had failed the first time, Edison wisely understood that the boy needed, and deserved a second chance. The youngster did not disappoint him; this time, he delivered the bulb to its destination intact.
The world is filled with people who have failed in more ways than one; mistakes are a part of life. Human beings can be unforgiving and cruel, but God is merciful. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to give others a second chance; to forgive and forget. In so doing, we too will be set free from the guilt of our past mistakes; forgiveness is the pathway to peace; and mercy is the road that leads to true fellowship with the eternal God.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we have made many mistakes; but You have created in us a new heart. You have given us a second chance. May we show that same love toward others; may we forgive completely, and may we manifest Your mercy and grace in the lives of all those we meet. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You; and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 