The Great Fish Fry

Good Morning,

Impulsive, well-intentioned but not mindful, breaks big promises, acts before thinking, lacks a sense of timing. If you were looking for someone to lead an organization or a movement those might not be the traits you are looking for. Yet those are the vary traits of the man Peter who became a catalytic leader in early church. His influence in the spread of Christianity is extraordinary.

Peter was indeed an impulsive person. He had a knack for speaking his mind before he thought things through. He was bold and a bit brazen. He had many ups and downs, but his lowest came when after declaring to Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.” he succumbed to fear and denied Jesus three separate times. Can you imagine the pain and anguish he must have felt dealing with what he had done? He likely believed all the hope and promise of an impactful life with Jesus was over. He had blown it in a colossal way.

Have you been there? A failed ministry, a failed marriage, promises broken, hurtful words spoken in haste, good intentions gone awry. Then what happened next for Peter is also for you.

One day while back to fishing, Peter hears Jesus call out to him from the beach. Jesus invites him to a fish fry, but no ordinary fish fry. A fish fry cloaked in forgiveness, restoration, renewal, and commissioning. Peter, after swimming to shore (a very Peter-like thing) comes face to face with the One who was ready to launch the greatest movement in the history of the world. And astoundingly, he needed Peter to be a pivotal part of it.

In the book of Acts we read how Jesus took all that Peter was and channeled it for good. We see him speaking boldly and proclaiming the gospel. He faces danger and responds with courage. In response to his preaching even the Jewish leaders recognize of Peter and John, “they have been with Jesus”. In fact, after one message about 3,000 people became believers! (Acts 2)

Peter was certainly not perfect even, after the fish fry. But the truth is, in spite of his flaws and failures, Jesus was not done with Peter. His forgiveness birthed a life of ministry and influence in Peter that is still felt today. 

I don’t know where you find yourself this morning. I don’t know what mistakes or perceived inadequacies have you doubting your usefulness for God. But please take a lesson from the life of Peter. Nothing is beyond the forgiveness and redemptive love of God. Friend, just as Jesus had not forgotten his plans for Peter, he has not forgotten his plans for you! 

Questions to Ponder this Week:

1.    Where have you allowed past mistakes to dampen your hope for the future?

2.    Spend some time alone with Jesus and let His forgiveness and redemption breathe new life into you. Invite Him to your own little fish fry and hear his voice.

Live on purpose,

Ron Klopfenstein, CPLC