March Madness | The Madness of Failure | Asking for You

The angel said, “Don’t be alarmed…He is risen from the dead! Go tell his disciples, and Peter…  Mark 16:6-7

The sun baked his skin, but he didn’t care. He hoped he’d broil to death and end his sorry existence. He’d had the chance of a lifetime and he blew it. He, plain ol’ Peter, had walked with God. He’d been friends with God! He’d watched God eat, sleep, and laugh, and all he’d had to do was be loyal when Jesus needed him most. And he’d blown it. There was no way to make this right. Jesus was dead. But then… running footsteps. Mary, panting, eyes wild, shouted at him from the shore: “Peter! He’s alive! I saw Him! He’s asking for you. Come on!” Asking for him? For him by name? Peter dropped the nets, leaped into the water, and felt his shame wash away as he swam toward the shore. Jesus still wanted him. Maybe it wasn’t over.

He’s asking for you, too. Yes, you. The one who’s messed up so many times you lost count. He knows about it and it grieves Him because it hurt you and other people. But He wants you to know that He’s already paid for all that and rose from the dead to come and find you. He wants you to drop the stuff you’ve returned to, leap into His grace, and feel the shame wash away as you run toward Him. Jesus asked specifically for Peter because He knew that Peter had given up on himself. But Jesus hadn’t given up on him. He hasn’t given up on you, either. He invites you to abandon it all, let Him clean you up, and come follow Him.

Final Thought:  Jesus is asking for you, in spite of all your failures. How are you responding?
Prayer: Jesus, this seems too good to be true. Thank you for putting this story about Peter in your word so I would know how you treat people who fail you, people like me. I’m ready to drop everything and follow you. Thank you for restoring me. Amen.