Graceways October 5 Devotional
October 05, 2024
JOHN 21:18-19 | 18 Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” 19 (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Jesus was a remarkable mentor to Peter. He saw his potential and invited this hardy angler to learn to “fish for people.” He sent him out and gave him opportunities to minister in His name and with His authority. He gave him the nickname “Rocky” and appointed him as a leader in His movement. He called him out of the boat to walk on the water. He also corrected his misunderstanding of the cross as a failure and checked his boasting and sense of superiority in relation to the other disciples. At the last supper he warned Peter of His coming denials.
Yet, in this Resurrection narrative, He gives him a new threefold call to leadership, matching Peter’s three denials. In these two verses He let’s Peter know his life too, will end in martyrdom—but that he will have the strength this time to be faithful to the end. The Greek here means “stretch out your arm” as on a cross. Mentors must help others despite their failures!
Have you ever helped someone overcome failure?
Gracious God,
Thank You for second and third chances. Help me to help others see the faithfulness beyond failure.
Amen.
