Restoration

John 21:15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” …

Beyond help, beyond hope. These are some of the most depressing words I can think of. And yet these words are thought and spoken every day in every language. People see others whose struggles have pulled them beyond Hell, and they shake their heads and sigh those words.

I wonder what would have happened if Judas had shown up at that beach fire that early morning. Peter had certainly denied Jesus, just as Judas had. Would restoration have come to Judas as well?

We have all had moments in our lives when our own choices put us on the ‘outs’ with the LORD. At least that is how we experienced our own shame and disgrace in that moment. We looked at ourselves and said, “I am too far gone. There is no hope for me.”

And yet, Jesus offered Peter a road back into fellowship. I don’t think it was a new role for Peter. It seems as though Peter had already been in a leadership role among the disciples. Now he had been humbled enough to be the servant leader that Jesus had been. Feed and take care of sheep. A lowly job, but a job as a servant.

There is always a road back to restoration with the LORD. Human restoration can be much harder, and sometimes unattainable. Accept the one and work toward the other.

Today you can be reconciled, again if need be.