Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ~Lam 3:22-33 (NIV)
Going out to breakfast with my husband on Saturday mornings, breaks our monotony allowing us to chat about things we wouldn’t normally talk about at home, adding a sweet spot to our relationship. Having someone smile and pour fresh brewed coffee, scramble my eggs, and brown my sausage, eases the annoyance away of cooking and cleaning up. I sit back, relax, and enjoy the start of the day.
Morning time is hard when you’ve had a difficult night. The disciples had a rough start to their early morning, having caught nothing all night. A stranger calls from the shore where gentle waves break, “Throw your net on the other side.” They follow him and nearly get pulled in for the weight of the fish they seize. This stranger, they recognize as Jesus, has stoked a fire, fried fish, and baked bread, and when it was hot and ready, called out to the tired and discouraged disciples. “Come. Get it while its hot. Bring some of your fish.” Ah, someone has thought of them and their needs, easing the sleepiness and weariness of the night before. Morning brought a new start. A miraculous load of fish in the presence of Jesus.
While they’re savoring the last morsels of fish and bread, Jesus picks up a conversation with Peter.
“Do you love me?”
“Yes, of course. I do.”
“Feed my sheep.”
Jesus stays on point. “Do you love me?”
“Yes, yes, I do. You know that.”
Emphasizing the third time, Jesus says, “Do you love me?”
Wincing, Peter says, “Yes, Lord. You know all things.”
Indeed Jesus does. Peter rejected Jesus three times before he died. But after His resurrection, Jesus intentionally seeks Peter and mercifully forgives him. He had big plans. He would hand Peter the keys to open the kingdom of God and build the church. Making ready for something new
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ~Eph. 2:10 (NIV)
How true that God knows all things about us. He knows the times we’ve rejected him, and the hard nights we’ve had with our spouse, or an antagonistic co-worker, or an unfaithful friend. He’s here to remind us His mercy is new each morning, and He is always ready to give us a fresh start. Jesus gives us what we need for the plans He’s prepared in advance for us to do. Let our hearts soak in His love and forgiveness for a new day. His arms extend wide to receive us into His embrace. Our failures disappear, instead, with Jesus’ sweet touch, our life flows full to the brim.
What can you receive from the Lord today? In Jesus, we find mercy. He is faithful. Don’t give up. Start new with a refreshed and energized conversation with Jesus. He’s got breakfast ready and waiting. Don’t miss His plan for the day.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you that you intentionally pursue my fragile self when I go to idols that outweigh Your presence. Bring me back to recognizing that in You there is forgiveness. Your mercies wipe my slate clean. Today, I surrender to Your authority and rely in Your abundant provision.
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