40 Days of John
Day 34: John 18:19-40
Jesus gets questioned by the high ranking leaders of the the day. The reality is that they are worried about Jesus' authority in the world. Jesus answers plainly, simply. The ones with their authority on the line don't seem to like Jesus' honest answers. But, Jesus doesn't get into long persuasive arguments...
And we hear, from Jesus himself, why He came into the world...
"In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
Meanwhile, there's Peter watching everything unfold from a distance...Peter, one of Jesus 12 disciples, denies His connection to Jesus a second and third time...and the rooster crows.
These are not Peter's best moments. And because of that, I can relate to Peter. We all have these kind of moments...in hindsight we'd love a do-over.
And I find hope in Peter and this truth Jesus brings to us. Because what Jesus does for Peter, Jesus does for me too.
Jesus remained Lord of Peter's life, through the highs and lows, guiding Peter. Jesus overcomes our fears and helps us walk on water. Jesus sees us as He has created us to be (even when we aren't living up to His best for us). Jesus patiently forgives and teaches us throughout our lives in the world. And Jesus uses us in the most unlikely and extraordinary ways when we turn our lives over to Him.
Yep, I find so much hope in reading Peter's story.
A mess-up will not define us as believers. Jesus and all His powerful love for us does...and that's GOOD NEWS.
A prayer for today-
Dear God,
I thank You for sending Jesus into the world to testify to Your truth. You give us a different perspective on life to the full. Thank you for opening my mind and my heart to Your Word.
Forgive me for the ways I have followed You at a distance and all the ways I fall short of claiming You as Lord of my life. I know I mess-up and am far from perfect. I give my do-over moments to You. Use those moments in my life as teachable and transforming moments, Lord.
I am made perfect in You. Help me to be the daughter (son), the sister (brother), the wife (husband), the mother (father), and friend, and the neighbor You created me to be.
I pray for You to hold __________________ in your loving arms today. He/she/they is in need of a do-over, Lord. Help _______________ to be transformed by Your grace.
You are our Rock and our Redeemer.
In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen
In Christ's love,
No comments:
Post a Comment