Three Strikes And Still In The Game

The 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, “Feed my sheep. John 21:17 (NIV)
Do you ever feel hopeless regarding your faith? Do you doubt God’s willingness to forgive you over and over again?

Peter might easily have felt that way. He had risen to a position of leadership among Jesus’ followers. He had been given the “keys of the kingdom” (Matt 16:19). And he had positioned himself as the defender of Jesus when Roman soldiers came to arrest Him (John 18:10). But when he felt the heat of a national trial, conviction, and death, Peter denied three times that he even knew Jesus and afterward disappeared. What Jesus had predicted about him came true (John 13:31-38).

So when Jesus engaged Peter in a conversation on the shore, Peter might easily have felt that he was already disqualified from further service for the Lord. After all, as we would say, three strikes and you’re out. But Jesus reconnected with Peter and called him to genuine love and the continuation of His work.

Second and third chances are not often available in families, communities or workplaces. All you have to do is fail once too often, and you’re gone. But Christ offers tangible love and boundless forgiveness – to those who own up to their failures and repent. Can we offer anything less to our co-workers, families and friends?

Think About This:
12And forgive us our debts, as (to the extent that) we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors. Matthew 6:12 (AMP)

Reverend Tyronda Howse Burgess
Pastor, Jones Chapel A.M.E. Church
Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee
www.SpiritMatters2009.blogspot.com