The Second Chance
by Pastor Ken
John 21:17-18
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you don’t want to go.”
Peter shouted, “I will never deny Jesus!”
On the contrary, on the day of Jesus’ trial, Peter denied knowing the Savior on three separate occasions.
Immediately after his third denial, Peter saw forgiveness in Jesus’ face. Peter ran away and wept.
Shortly afterward, Jesus died on the cross and was buried.
Sunday morning, Jesus rose from the grave. He went to the Sea of Galilee, where Peter was fishing. While Jesus and the disciples were eating together, Jesus asked, “Peter, do you love me?” three times.
Three times Peter answered, “Yes, I love you.”
Jesus’ grace erased Peter’s failure and gave him a second chance. Through grace, Peter dedicated his life to fulfill Jesus’ calling to be a fisher of men.
Jesus gives you acceptance, forgiveness, and empowering grace now as He did to Peter. Receive it with a grateful heart! When you do, He will help you to live a wonderfully blessed life.
If you always let Jesus be your guide, you will find you live the most rewarding life because whatever you do, you glorify God.
We all fail and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Praise Jesus for the second chance that grace gives us!
Reflection
How have I recently denied Jesus? How will I embrace and accept the grace that Jesus offers?
Prayer
Dear loving God, I love Jesus, for He cares for me as He did for Peter. May I live my life full of appreciation for Your acceptance, forgiveness, and empowering grace. I want to live each moment to glorify You. I pray in Jesus’ beautiful name, Amen.
