“Shame is healed in the presence of perfect love.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 5, 2024
Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. John 21:11-13, NKJV
Years ago, my wife and I were privileged to visit the Holy Land, and though there were countless moments of incredible meaning and beauty, one that will forever hold a special place in our hearts and minds was our visit to the traditional site where Christ served breakfast to his disciples on the beach of the Sea of Galilee. Tears welled up inside us as we imagined the scene from John 21, especially the way in which Simon Peter rushed to meet the Lord Jesus, the one he had denied just days before.
In and of himself, it would have been entirely natural and understandable for Peter to do the exact opposite of what he did. When we give in to sin and shame, it can take control and make us small and fragile people. It diminishes us and we begin to believe the lies that swirl around in our heads. “No one could ever forgive you.” “You’re unlovable.” “You hurt them too badly.” Instead of being the first one out of the boat, Peter may have been tempted to hide in the back corner, hoping his Lord would pass him over and leave him be.
Yet, to truly encounter the risen Lord Jesus is to be instantly liberated from shame and invited into the purifying and all-consuming fire of God’s love.
Peter rushed to greet the Lord because, even from a distance, he knew his shame would be healed and his love transformed in the presence of perfect love. This was true for Peter, and it is true for you and for me. When we are buried in shame, Jesus does not run away from us, but he comes to us and invites us to eat with him. It is for this reason that a communal meal has always been at the very heart of the gathering of the family of God. Just as he fed his disciples along the shore of the sea, our Lord Jesus continues to do the same for you and for me, feeding us from his table and nourishing us with the gift of his presence.
Prayer
Father, remind us today that Jesus longs to be with us, to prepare a meal, and to invite us to rest in his presence. Let us, like Peter, rush to greet him and have our sin and shame transformed by his perfect love. Amen.
Application
How can you embrace the spirit of Peter from today’s passage and rush to meet the Lord Jesus in your own life?
Related Reading
Psalm 145:15-16; Matthew 6:31-33; Luke 12:24
Worship Resource
Hannah and Paul McClure: Jesus We Love You
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