After that day, everything was different. The first disciples witnessed a dead man walking. Their lives would be forever changed, defined by “life before Easter” and life “life after Easter.” On numerous occasions, Jesus showed up in resurrected form before he ascended. In the season of Easter we will examine six “after Easter” encounters with Jesus. What did he say and do? In what practical ways does resurrection change my daily life? Nothing will ever be the same.
Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation
O Lord, your scars are your trophies, proof of your unfailing love for me. I am haunted by the guilt of my past, the sins of my present, and my fear of the future. Lord, at the cross you said, “It is finished.” So I cease my work and my worry. I rest in you. You have done it all. Amen.
Confession
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Lord, forgive my fugitive ways. I turn and run from you. Forgive my criminal acts of hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Forgive my violations of arrogance and selfishness. Forgive me for denying you, ignoring you, and disregarding you. I am the one at fault. I have no other help but to turn my face to you and plead, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Word
“When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.” John 21:7
Meditation
Today’s meditation is by Koleen Barnes.
Can you imagine what Peter is thinking upon seeing Jesus, face-to-face, alone for the first time since his resurrection? I can only imagine that he is initially speechless. Peter, having just denied Jesus three times, is probably feeling a lot of things that we are used to feeling when we have done something we know a friend or family member would be disappointed in. Let alone our Savior. When I know I have messed up, I run through various conversations in my head, going through what I will say to the person. What will they say back? How will we go back to how things were “before”? That sinking feeling in your gut is very isolating. When the anxiety of what you have done sets in, it feels overwhelming.
I personally have felt very isolated from God in the past. Feeling so alone and like things will never get better. I often worry that I have passed the point of forgiveness. It is the worst feeling I have encountered so far. I can only imagine that Peter, not only a disciple, but a friend, is feeling that multiplied. He isn’t just feeling isolated from Jesus, he actively denied him. He publicly separated himself from Jesus. I’m sure he thought that feeling would never go away.
If Peter has a conversation with Jesus on the beach before the other disciples get there, we don’t get to hear it, but we know that all is forgiven. We know that Jesus welcomed Peter back into his arms with full forgiveness. If the denier can be restored, then can’t we be restored, too?
Even when we feel guilt, full of doubt, when we have that sinking pit in our stomachs telling us that we have gone beyond the line of forgiveness, Jesus is on the shore waiting for us. He doesn’t want us to be lonely or forgotten. He is waiting on that beach waiting to welcome us back with open arms, no matter what we have done. He wants to speak with us and forgive us. He will never leave us alone.
Dear God, be with me today, and every day, even when I am feeling unforgivable. Fill my heart with your love and pull me close when I am feeling distant from you. Forgive my sins and help me to remember that I am never alone. You are always with me. Amen.
Benediction
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Heb. 13:20-21)