Quiet Time Coaching Episode 502 | New Thing Series — Part 57 | “Peter’s Breakfast - Part 2” | Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 502 | New Thing Series — Part 57 | “Peter’s Breakfast - Part 2” | Malcolm Cox

 

Introduction

A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'

 

We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s breakfast.

 

“He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”” (John 21:17-19 NRSV)

 

Peter’s breakfast

• The conversation is difficult
• Peter repeats himself
• Peter feels hurt by the responses of Jesus
• Jesus is not afraid to hurt his friend
• Jesus expresses faith and hope in Peter

 

For Reflection

Peter could have continued with the mission without this healing, but it would have been a hollow ministry fuelled by guilt and shame attempting to make up for his mistakes by hard work - a man-centred motivation. But Jesus wanted him to have joy. There is no joy in self-redemption.  Or he could have allowed himself to fill up with despair. His Christian life then would be characterised by pessimism and a culture of negativity (disguised as a cross-focussed attitude).  Again, no joy.  Do you believe that Jesus wants you to experience joy in following him? Self-denial and joy do not cancel each other out. When we are serving Jesus because we love him, the experience of being a Christian is wholeheartedly positive, even though at times punctuated by lament and sorrow.

 

Why not take some time today to pray about finding the link between self-denial and joy?

 

Conclusion

I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

 

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

 

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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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