PGA Chaplain Bible Studies
Study 42 November 10th to 16th 2008.
Reading – John Chapter 21:15-19.
Reconciliation?
“When Jesus had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon son of John, do you truly 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 truly love me? He answered, “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” (John Chapter 21: verses 15 to 16 New International Version).
We have all done wrong in life. I am amused, but disappointed by the person I meet that says that they have done nothing really wrong in life. It’s like saying they have never played a false shot in golf in their life. In relation to God; they also say that they are essentially a good person and that they will find acceptance with God because of this. Well, the point is it depends on the standards you measure good by. When I measure myself according to God’s standards I find myself sadly lacking.
The other way to avoid being in the wrong is to say that wrong or sin does not exist. Some strands of new age religions promote this absurdity today; trying to see good in every and any action, but for most, evil and wrong is obvious.
The background for our reading today is that Peter had previously messed up by denying under pressure that he ever knew Jesus. Peter was crushed by how easy he deserted the one he promised not to. When his life was under threat, he weakened. Peter was ashamed of himself for this, and he left the scene of his disappointment in a hurry and wept. (See John Chapter 18:15-27).
He is now back in the company of Jesus after he rose from the dead.
Jesus takes the initiative to restore Peter, to re-assure him of his forgiveness for his denial and to pass on the leadership baton to Peter. One thing is for certain; God understands our weakness, but not our refusal to admit when we have done wrong.
If following Jesus is about anything, it is about forgiveness and reconciliation, about messing up and God taking the initiative to draw us back. God doesn’t beat about the bush, we are sinners and unacceptable in God’s sight. The standards that God accepts are a lot higher than those we compromise with. You can see these standards for example in the 10 commandments in Exodus Chapter 20.
Jesus came to die for our sins; he was called “the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” in John Chapter 1: verse 29.
God is merciful and kind slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. As Jesus draws Peter back into the group and as their leader, he also shows him the way forward by not dwelling on the past, but by giving his life to help others know about Jesus. You cannot make up for your sins, but you can accept God’s mercy and turn your attention away from yourself to making a difference in other people’s lives.
Our reading is about this week is about reconciliation. Reconciliation with God is our greatest need and gives the greatest comfort and hope. Reconciliation is also so important to a healthy family, society and world.
Prayer.
Almighty God, We are grateful that you do not treat us as we deserve, but you seek us out to be our friend. May I respond to your seeking by drawing close to you Amen.
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