Lent Devotional: RestorationUzorak

In today’s passage, we meet with Jesus’ beloved disciple, Peter, who is dealing with the consequences of sin, shame, and despair. Before Jesus’ crucifixion, he denied his Lord three times despite boldly declaring that he was willing to die with Jesus. And now, in the season of waiting that follows Jesus’ death, the disciples can no longer bring themselves to go out and fish for people. They’ve gone back to simply fishing… for fish.

But miraculously, after their failed attempt at sea, the resurrected Jesus appears on the shore, inviting them to a meal on the beach. Peter runs ahead to greet his Lord. This is a meal of reconciliation. In three simple commands – ‘Feed my lambs,’ ‘Take care of my sheep,’ and ‘Feed my sheep’ – Jesus restores Peter to his calling and reminds him of the privilege of partnering with God in his work of provision, restoration, and hope.

Sometimes, we disqualify ourselves from God’s work because of past mistakes or present circumstances. We start with excitement and good intentions, but at some point, we trip and fall. Jesus’ response to Peter – and us when we fall – is not to abandon or reject us. It is to invite us back into a loving relationship with Himself.

In asking Peter three times, ‘Do you love me?’, Jesus encourages his disciples to voice out loud where his true loyalty lies. And in the wake of that declaration, Jesus invites Peter to live out this love practically in care and compassion for his people.

Restoration in Bangladesh

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At Tearfund, we believe we each have a part to play in showing God’s compassion to others. Poverty is not God’s plan. You are. And thanks to supporters like you, God is using his church to transform the lives of people living in poverty worldwide. On our website, read more about our work in Bangladesh, where the local church is at the heart of bringing restoration to whole communities, just like Pastor James’s, pictured above.

We are to be less concerned with our performance and more with God’s call . . . less with our mistakes and more with God’s motivating mercy. This doesn’t mean that what we do doesn’t matter. It does. But what matters more is what Jesus does with our flawed actions, insufficient efforts, and struggling attempts. He redeems and restores them for his glory.

Reflect

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• Where might previous mistakes and sins hold you back from following God’s calling on your life? Offer them to the Lord in prayer, asking for his forgiveness.
• Who might God call you to ‘feed’ or ‘take care’ of? How can you show them the love of Jesus in a practical way?
• Are there any injustices in the world that particularly move you with compassion? How can you support these causes in prayer or action?

Pray

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Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your power and willingness to restore and call me back to the work of your kingdom, even when I fall short.

Would you open my eyes to ways I can partner with you to glorify your name and work for justice for my neighbour?

I’m sorry for the times I have denied you through the things I’ve thought, done, or not done. I receive your forgiveness.

King Jesus, come and renew my vision for compassion so I can be bold in feeding your lambs and caring for your sheep.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

With every blessing,

Sarah Adegbite

Sarah is a member of Tearfund's Young Theologians Programme