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Jul 03, 2024 06:00am

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A man found a dog eating some garbage on the side of the road. The poor pup was skin and bones. The man called the dog over to him, encouraging him with his own dinner he had just purchased. The dog scarfed down the burger and the man loaded him in his backseat.

When he got the dog home, he bathed him, pulled ticks off of him, and gave him a collar, a bed, a name. Ranger had found a home with his new master.

When the morning came, the man took the dog outside to the backyard, filled his water bowl, and left for work.

The man returned home that evening and went to the backyard to bring in his new friend, but the dog was nowhere to be found. There, at the corner of the yard, was a hole dug under the fence. The dog had gotten out.

Without hesitation, the man got in his car, determined to find this dog. He drove around for hours and was about ready to give up. But then, he remembered where he had first found Ranger. When he pulled up beside that old dumpster, there sat Ranger.

When the man opened the car door, Ranger ran to him and jumped in the car. The two headed home. There was work to be done to make sure the dog felt secure in his home, that he was safe there and provided for. That he didn’t have to return to the old life now that he had something new, something better.

John 21:3-9 NLT

“Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”
“We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 5 He called out, “Fellows,[c] have you caught any fish?”
“No,” they replied.
6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.
7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. 8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards[d] from shore. 9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.”

Peter.

A fisherman by trade. Just 3 years ago, that’s exactly where Jesus found him and called him to leave his nets and follow Him. And Peter did. He learned from Him, ate with Him, loved Him, and lived life with Him.

But then, the Master went away.

Trouble came and those in power were going to crucify Jesus. What would happen to those that knew Him? Those that were closest to Him?

In fear, Peter denied even knowing Jesus, 3 times. Just as the Lord had said.

And then, Jesus died.

Peter watched all these things occur and was heartbroken. What was he to do?

When the Master returned, where did He find Peter?

Back where he first found him, with his fishing nets.

The old life. With Jesus gone, he had to provide for himself. He had to make a way. And that’s all Peter thought he knew.

But there on the shore, calling out to him and his friends, was a man. At first, they didn’t recognize Him. But then John said, it’s Jesus.

Immediately, Peter threw on his tunic, jumped in the water and swam to Jesus.

Peter was thrilled Jesus had returned! It was really Him! And here He was, providing for them again with fish, and now breakfast cooked! But Jesus had something more than just food for Peter. He had a purpose. He had a new life.

“15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

How many times did Peter deny Jesus?

And how many times did Jesus ask Peter if he loved Him?

He is good, is He not? How wonderful that He is forgiving, not once, or twice, but every time we sin.

Jesus had called Peter from the old life to the new. He gave him a purpose, “feed my sheep”. Jesus wanted Peter to leave behind all that he had known, trusting in himself to provide and make a way. Instead, Jesus wanted him to trust in Him as the provider. He had a new job and purpose for Peter.

Follow Me.

This command comes with a commitment.

Just as Jesus said to Peter, He says to you and me today.

Leave the old life behind, He has something new in store. A purpose beyond our own strength and abilities. But we have to trust in Him. And we have to be willing to Follow.

Are you?

If you want to know more about who Jesus is and what it looks like to follow Him, go to follow.lifeword.org. Join us Tuesdays at 7 pm central on Facebook.com/lifeword for FOLLOW:Conversations where we discover what it looks like to be a truly devoted follower of Christ.