Beyond the Weekend

August 7 | A Fireside Chat

August 7, 2019

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. John 21:9

Read: John 21:9-13

Listen: John 21

TODAY’S MESSAGE

The disciples had been up all night fishing, with no luck. Pulling their boat on shore, they are greeted with sounds of a crackling fire and the aroma of burning coals, sizzling fish and warm bread. Their minds flashback to other campfire meals shared with Jesus. There he stands, fully resurrected, saying, “come and have breakfast” that he’s lovingly prepared.

Jesus doesn’t identify himself, but the disciples know it’s him. He’d just told them to cast their empty nets to the other side of the boat where they caught so many fish they couldn’t haul in the net. The same thing happened the day Jesus called them to be disciples (Luke 5:3-11). This moment is very awkward.  They had declared their loyalty the night before he died. Then split and ran. It was worse for Peter. The burning coals remind him of the courtyard fire, where he denied Jesus three times (John 18:17-18, 25-27).

Jesus has a fireside chat with Peter after breakfast. It is an incredibly human, yet divine, moment. Denying Jesus has to be heavy on Peter’s heart. Jesus gives Peter three opportunities to express his love and devotion. He allows Peter a conversation to make things right so Peter can experience his forgiveness and renewed friendship. The same Jesus who saves us—tenderly forgives our sins and reestablishes a friendship with us when we express regret for what we’ve done and our love for him.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Do you need a “fireside chat” with Jesus to restore your friendship? Tell him, “Jesus, I regret what I’ve done and need to experience your tender forgiveness for ____________.  Please fill me with your Spirit and restore our friendship. Please help me to make a better choice in the future. Thank you. Amen.”


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

 

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