So you went back to fishing? I called you out of your old ways and into the new, but after the rooster crowed 3 times, it seemed as if you couldn't bare the thought of facing Me.
Maybe it wasn't that you couldn't face Me, but rather that you couldn't forgive yourself for what you have done. Peter, if you really knew My character, you would have known that My love for you outways all your shortcomings. I still fulfilled My plan on the cross. Even when you bailed out on the mission, I didn't. You stood in the fire when they asked you if you knew Me, and yes, it was a hard decision to make. If you had an eternal perspective the answer would've been "Yes", because you would've known that I'd be there to go with you through whatever the circumstances might have been.
The promise was never to get rid of problems. But the promise was that you'd receive strength to endure and wisdom when you had to go through trials and tribulations. The promise was peace within the storm. Remember when we walked on the water together? I am the promise, and that is why I came. Not to make life easier, but rather to show you that I've already overcome all the obstacles and now I want you to enjoy the journey with Me.
As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
John 21:7 NIV
You recognized My voice, you knew that I was standing at the shores of whatever your plan B was. Not meeting you halfway, but standing in the waters of your circumstances.
Jesus said to them,
“Bring some of the fish you have just caught."
“Come and have breakfast.”
John 21:10,12 NIV
Yes, I'll use your plan B to prepare us a meal, I'll always use the reactions of your actions to bring glory to My name. The eyes of the Father range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV). They will ask you again; you will stand trial; assaults and harsh words will come but be fully committed to Me, and I will strengthen you (John 16:33).
“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
Luke 12:11-12 NIV
You still have a purpose, Peter. You denied Me 3 times, but now I'm confirming in 3 new ways that you are loved and that I still have a plan for your life (John 21:15-19). You are the rock on which I established My mission and you will carry it forward. You are not marked by shame or guilt, but by My grace and love for you.
Feed My lambs - Serve those around you with love and humility, just as I have shown you on earth
Shepherd (tend) My sheep - Equip them through discipleship
Feed My sheep - Teach them how to grow in faith, to dive into My word, and show them how to pass it on to the next generation
And as we sit around the fire enjoying breakfast together, I want you to remember this moment: You and me around the fire. Feel My peace and My presence surrounding you. It's time to go, Peter, the mission is quite simple:
Follow Me
Although you must physically stand up to go, know that in the Spirit you never have to depart from this fire. I will never leave you nor forsake you.
I love you, My son, always have, always will.
Let the mission begin!
JUDAH. - Remember What It Cost (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5qrjmpD8T8)
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