British Petroleum leader Tony Heyward watched oil wash up on the once-clean Gulf of Mexico beaches. The sticky sheen destroyed the livelihood of many people and tainted wildlife for years to come. Heyward knew he had blown it when he blurted out in a TV interview that he wanted his life back, rather than making things right for the people affected by the spill. The cameras found him later doing the one thing he loved: sailing.
No one had to tell Peter he had blown it with Jesus. Just a few days earlier he had claimed that he would even die with him (John 13:31-38). But when Jesus was arrested and people pointed Peter out as one of Jesus’ disciples, he quickly denied having any connection with Jesus (John 18:15-27).
While waiting for Jesus to meet them in Galilee (Matthew 28:10), Peter and some other disciples went back to the one thing they knew best: fishing. But they came up empty.
Then someone on the shore offered advice and another chance to get it right. They could have picked up their nets and called it a day. But they listened and got a miraculous catch of fish, and Jesus welcomed these disciples back to himself. (See Luke 5:1-11.)
Have you ever blown it with Jesus? Do you think he won’t welcome you back? Jesus will never give up on you—or any of us. Let’s join with him again!
Dear Jesus, my guilt over broken promises has often kept me from receiving your forgiveness. Help me return to you, Lord. Amen.
About the author — Reginald Smith
Dr. Reginald Smith is senior pastor at Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has served for seventeen years. He has also served as a pastor in Paterson, New Jersey. He and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, Janelle, Katrina, and Mariah.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!