April 23: Risen to Restore
Selected Bible Passage: John 21:15-17 (NIV)
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’ Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ 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.’”Reflection:
Message:
In John 21:15-17, we witness a powerful moment of restoration as the risen Christ reinstates Peter after his denials. Jesus’s repeated questioning of Peter’s love not only reflects the need for Peter’s reconciliation but also commissions him to shepherd His followers. This act illustrates the forgiving nature of Christ and His desire to restore us to our divine purpose, no matter our past mistakes. Jesus, risen from the grave, demonstrates His mastery over life’s critical disruptions, showing that His resurrection was not just physical but spiritually empowering, breathing new life into Peter’s calling.Key Points:
1. Restoration Through Love: Jesus’s questions are not condemnations but invitations to reaffirm love and commitment.
2. Commission to Serve: Peter’s restoration is coupled with a call to serve and care for others.
3. Redemptive Purpose: The focus is on moving from past failures to fulfilling one’s divine calling with renewed commitment.Personal Reflection Questions:
– In what areas of my life have I felt like Peter, needing restoration?
– How is Jesus inviting me to reaffirm my love for Him today?
– What specific actions can I take to serve and care for others as part of my divine calling?Prayer:
Guided Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your boundless grace and the gift of restoration. Help me embrace your forgiveness and commit fully to the calling you have placed upon my life. Teach me to care for others with the same love you showed Peter, and guide me in the path of service and compassion. Amen.Personal Prayer Points:
– Pray for a heart open to God’s restoration.
– Seek courage to move beyond past failures.
– Ask for guidance in recognizing and fulfilling God’s call in your life.Action Steps:
Practical Application Tips:
– Affirm Forgiveness: Write a letter to yourself, acknowledging past mistakes and affirming God’s forgiveness.
– Serve Others: Identify one way to serve in your community, showing the love of Christ to others.
– Daily Devotion: Commit to a time of daily reflection on God’s restoration power in your life.Daily Challenges or Activities:
– Restoration Exercise: Reach out to someone with whom you need to reconcile and offer forgiveness or seek it.
– Shepherding Moment: Invite a friend or family member to join in a spiritual activity, such as prayer or bible study, illustrating the act of shepherding.
– Gratitude Journal: Begin a daily gratitude journal focused on identifying areas where God has brought restoration and purpose to your life.Let Christ’s resurrection power restore and rejuvenate your purpose today. Embrace His call to love, serve, and shepherd those around you, living fully in the grace of your risen Lord.
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