I’m going to go ahead and give you the link to this sermon. (The sermon starts at 10:48.) Watching the sermon will definitely help you understand my blog, but if you want my take on it, that’s what follows. The sermon is based on John 21:7-17.
Jesus appears to the disciples for the third time after he was risen. So, they recognize him. They’ve been fishing all night and have nothing to show for it. Jesus tells them to let their nets down on the other side of their boat and there they will find fish. When they pull the net up, they have a huge catch of 153 large fish, but the net doesn’t break!
We’re going to be looking at this through the eyes of Simon Peter. Remember, he’s the one that denied Jesus 3 times before the rooster crowed after Jesus was arrested. Can you imagine the guilt he must have felt? How could he ever face Him? He boasted, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” Mark 14:29 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” Mark 14: 31 He was so sure that he wouldn’t deny the one he served, but he did it anyway. “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him. Before the rooster crows twice you will down me three times.” And he broke down and wept. Mark 14:71-72.
The smell hanging in the air from the fire and hearing the rooster crow would certainly cause Peter to be taken back in time in his mind, envisioning the events that transpired.
We are all haunted be events from our past. I’m sure there are some that we’d rather not share with anyone, due to the shame it causes us just to think about it. But Jesus can restore us in the same way that he restored Peter. We does this by confronting our past and confessing our sins. By doing this, Jesus can give us his grace and forgiveness.
Do you put Christ first? Do you love him above all else? Jesus asked Peter after finishing breakfast on that morning, “do you love me more than these?”John 31:15 That’s the question Jesus wants us all to answer. If we can honestly say that we do, then all the other things like obedience, repentance, going about his business of changing the world will follow.
We have to let go of the past; our stubbornness, pride, unforgiveness, and our sin before we can truly say that we love Christ above all else.
How do we escape from our old lives and embrace the resurrected life the Jesus has for us?
- Do the next right thing
- Seek the Godly thing
- Love His sheep
Jesus loved us enough to give his all so that we might have a future with him. He came to rescue us from ourselves and from Satan. We can’t squander His sacrifice for our sake.
Confront your past and let Jesus lead you into a life with him that will allow you to face your fears with peace, your doubts with proof, your past with new beginnings and your future with living hope!
I hope this sermon helped to reassure you of your faith in God or at least bring you to a point you want to learn more or search out a place to find out what’s His story is all about and what a difference it can make in your life!
If you want to know more about Milan Christian Church, I’d be happy to help you out. Drawing others closer to God is what we’re all about!
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 