Luke 24:34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”

One of the most moving songs about the resurrection is Don Francisco’s He Is Alive. In it, Don draws a clear word-picture of how Peter felt after he left the empty tomb, and how it must have been when Jesus appeared to him, as it says in this verse. Peter’s self-confidence had been completely shattered by his having denied he knew Jesus three times, so it was to him an unbelievable manifestation of grace that Jesus appeared to him and forgave him. The scene by Lake Galilee in John 21 was simply an addendum to that, confirming that Jesus not only forgave him, He had work for him to do, namely, taking care of Jesus’ flock. We all fail Jesus in various ways, generally not as dramatic as what Peter did, but just as real. We too need to grasp the reality of God’s grace and forgiveness, and so repent in truth. If there is no repentance, there is no reason for forgiveness, but if the repentance is there, the forgiveness is very real indeed.

I need to remember this as well as anyone. Outsiders looking at my life consider me some sort of paragon of goodness, but I know my heart, and those close to me know the wounds I have inflicted on them. I am totally dependent on God’s grace, and I must never forget it. I am to be a carrier of God’s grace to everyone I encounter. That will take many forms, and sometimes it may seem a little severe, but that’s how it is with God’s love. I myself am loved by God, and I am to allow Him to love others through me. As Hebrews 12 makes clear, genuine love involves discipline, so I am never to complain about what God puts me through, but rather trust that His plans for me are perfect, and rejoice in that assurance.

Father, thank You indeed for Your plans. Thank You for the blessed Resurrection Sunday we had yesterday, and for Your plans for today. Thank You that we will be getting back to Omura from our trip a month from today. May I not complain at the unexpected hiccups, like happened with my study computer this morning, but rather rest, relax, and rejoice in You and in Your schedule for me, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!