clcgh.org Building The Capacity Of Christian Leaders, Equipping The Saints For The Work Of Ministry, Redirecting Straying Christians To The Sound Knowledge Of Christ
“When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32, NIV).
Too often people are devalued or dismissed because of their life story. Sometimes it’s because of what they’ve done to others, sometimes it’s because of what’s been done to them.
If you’ve been to a second-hand shop, you know there are valuable items at deeply discounted prices; you just have to know what you’re looking for.
Jesus does. In his eyes you may be ‘down’ but you’re not ‘out’.
Peter’s sorrow over denying Jesus ran so deep that he decided to go back to his old job as a fisherman. Can you imagine the gossip around the harbour? ‘That’s the guy who turned his back on Jesus.’
Were Peter a pastor, we would have called for his resignation. At the very least, he would have nothing to say that we would be interested in listening to.
Yet, he was the first person Jesus went looking for after the resurrection. And when Jesus saw Peter, he never mentioned it – not even once.
But three times he asked him, ‘Do you love me?’ When Peter answered yes three times, Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep,’ referring to his future as pastor and head of the church (see John 21:15-17).
Jesus looked beyond Peter’s failed past and saw his future. Peter’s failure was not a surprise. Jesus had told him, ‘When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers’ (Luke 22:32 NIV).
The weakness he had overcome and the restoring grace he had experienced became some of his greatest teaching tools in helping others.
God may reprove you, but it’s only to restore you and use you for his purposes.
By Alfred B. Nyamekye
