“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” – John 21:15
The grace of God is truly amazing. Wrapped into our understanding of grace are so many wonderful parts of our life of faith. Grace is God’s presence in our lives. We are not alone as we walk the journey of life. Deuteronomy states, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be in dread of them: for it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Grace is also the forgiveness of our sins. In love, God pardons us from mistakes and wrongdoings and makes our lives free from the power of sin. Paul writes in the book of Ephesians, “But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” (Ephesians 2:4-5) This forgiveness and freedom from sin gives us hope for life today and for eternity.
Grace also gives our lives possibilities and purpose. I love the story of Peter. Peter was a dedicated disciple of Christ. He followed Jesus from town to town, learning and growing every step of the way. Sadly, when Jesus needed Peter the most, Peter turned away. Three times Peter denies even knowing Jesus. (Luke 22) It was the deepest of betrayals.
Because of the amazing love of God and grace found in his Son, Jesus, Peter’s story does not end in shame and failure. Not long after Peter’s denial of Jesus, John tells the story of a breakfast on the beach. Jesus prepares a meal for His disciples. When the breakfast was over, Jesus extends grace to the one who turned his back, who failed Jesus. In this moment of grace, Peter confesses his love for Jesus and Jesus asks him to feed his sheep. Peter was forgiven and restored.
What a joy to know that even when we fail, or when we make mistakes, our story is not yet complete. God, whose mercy is beyond our comprehension, is willing to meet us in our moment of need. He freely pours out His love on us and calls us to a life of meaning and purpose. Through grace we are forgiven, and through grace we are set free to be the people God calls us to be. Thanks be to God for the gift of saving grace!
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
