I’m just going to say it. I am not a writer. It was never my strongest subject in school, but really nothing was outside of History and Geography. I am not a grammar guru, so apologies if this doesn’t flow like it is supposed to. Why am I even doing this then? Well, every time I need to get my thoughts out, I believe God is always pulling me back to writing my thoughts down. My mind tends to race a million miles per hour, so I think this is my chance to slow them down.
You may or not be asking the significance of the title. I’ve always been fascinated by John 21. My senior year of college I did a deep dive into this chapter. Long story short, Jesus finds Peter fishing and calls him over to have breakfast with him. During this conversation, Jesus asks Peter 3 times, “Do you love me?” While Peter undoubtedly says yes, if you go back a few chapters you might remember Peter denying knowing Jesus 3 times before Jesus was put to death on the cross. This wasn’t to trick Peter, but it was to recommission him to do what he was called to do. Go make disciples. I’m sure Peter was an excellent fisherman, but Jesus had a specific plan for Peter. Not just to be a fisherman, but a fisher of men.
Alright, you might still be lost. That’s okay! So while Jesus and Peter are breaking bread on the beaches of Galilee, they are sitting around a charcoal fire. What does that have to do with anything? Well, let me ask you this. Do you remember the setting when Peter denies Jesus? What else was there? A rooster! Yes, but not quite what I am looking for. There was a charcoal fire. Woah! Jesus was setting a similar scene. Jesus was setting the scene not to cast his wrath and revenge on Peter, but to extend grace. That’s why I like the title. It’s all about grace. It’s a free gift. Take it.
No matter what you’ve done, who you’ve hurt, or wish you could take back, there is grace for it. The Law came in so that the offense would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, (Romans 5:20)
Confess your sin. Let go of what you are holding onto. Give it to Him. Receive the gift of grace that He is looking to cover you with.
Remember friends, Jesus loves you. He is with you. One of my favorite pastors always says, “there is more grace than sin in you” (Joby Martin). Go in peace this week knowing that Jesus is ready to give you his grace.
The Second Fire Journal 