John 21:15-23
THE post-Easter encounter of Peter and Jesus was more realistic than dramatic; more emotional restraints than jubilation; words used by the Lord penetrate the heart and hurts the pride.
The answers of Peter were obviously direct yet discreet and instead of the usual robust and loud-mouthed Peter, we see a phlegmatic, melancholic Peter. The silence of the sanguine can only mean something is not normal? Desiring to meet the Risen Lord up-close and personal creates an eerie feeling...like standing before someone from whom I cannot hide anything!
Meeting the Risen Lord is meeting TRUTH PERSONIFIED...pretentions are exposed and lies melt away! Peter’s denial of the Master is a memory time cannot erase. Meeting the Lord is going beyond words...He sees the heart. We need post-Easter encounters ourselves lest we become numb and settle for the comfortable flattery of religion rather than the liberating truth from Jesus!
The Lord sets an appointment with each of His followers, including us today. He meets those who are most guilty of betrayal and are most doubtful! He leaves the 99 who are ok and seeks the one that is lost and unaware of his dangerous spiritual predicament of being away from the community of faith. You are the target...and our loved ones and close friends who once were robust in their faith and are now practically unbelieving.
As I reflect on this critical crisis of faith, I am overwhelmed by my powerlessness to solve the matter. Most people who have the “Thomas” syndrome and Peter’s guilt don’t need my sermon; they need to meet the Risen Lord! The Risen Lord is determined to meet the renegades, to bring them much-needed truth and grace!
Though we are talking about Peter, our focus is Jesus, don’t miss that! Our goal is not condemnation but compassion; not strictness but knowing the difference between strictness and holiness emanating from the unconditional love of Abba as reflected by the Risen Lord...not a call for perfection...but an invitation to a deeper devotion to Christ...not a message of guilt or a sentence of eternal uselessness but a chance to change and receive a new mandate...ministering from a deep sense of brokenness. Peter was not suspended...he received a fresh mandate of grace...feed my sheep, follow me!
Let us use our sanctified imagination, close your eyes and imagine you are there listening to their conversation, let the word we read today come alive in the context of where we are and where the Risen Lord is leading us. Be sensitive to the voice of the Spirit and give him a bigger venue in your heart to create convictions that will guide your choices and make a commitment that is delightful than dutiful. Let’s sit in on this post-Easter meeting with Peter and Jesus. No comments...just commune then underline your Spirit-directed convictions, ok?