https://www.facebook.com/groups/muchgrace/
(John 21:7) That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.”
The charcoal fire must have brought the past rushing back for Peter. The scene was fast becoming a nightmare of memory, betrayal, and pain: the last time Peter had seen Jesus, he’d denied Him three times at another charcoal fire...!
Confronting the risen Lord there would have taken a great deal of courage and humility. In that recognition of himself as a betrayer. Simon Peter stands before this second charcoal fire as a symbol of us all...
But Jesus — the embodiment of love — does not do this to shame Peter or to reopen old wounds. He does it to free him from his past. Instead of asking, “Are you sorry?” Jesus simply asks three times, “Do you love me?” This repetition wasn’t meant to dwell on Peter’s failure but to allow him to move beyond it by affirming his love and receiving Christ’s unfailing love in return. Peter’s fall was deeply painful, but Christ’s faithfulness was utterly freeing because Jesus wants us all to get past our pasts — not by begging for mercy and quitting, but by admitting our wrongs, trusting in His merciful grace and following Him.
So whatever “charcoal fire” the accuser is dredging up in your mind right now, don’t hide your face in shame. Look to Jesus, and what once stood for betrayal will instead become a lasting reminder of our Saviour’s unquenchable forgiveness and love.
Oh Blessed Easter — He IS Risen!
+++
Let’s pray, “Heavenly Father, thank You that the Lord Jesus reveals Himself to us in our moments of confusion, doubt, or failure. Open our eyes to recognise Him as He walks into our ordinary days. Help us respond in faith, rise from shame, and follow Him with renewed courage. Replace our fear with trust, our guilt with Your grace, and our wandering hearts with steadfast love. Make us faithful witnesses of Your presence and mercy." Amen!
+++
URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS (Please keep checking as more are being added almost daily)