Jump Out Of The Boat

Tuesday of Holy Week. My studies have me in John 13 today. John, Chapter 13, speaks to the Passover meal. In this chapter, Jesus has washed the feet of those He loves, in that crowd is Judas. The "bad" guy in the group, even though Judas is the one to kiss Christ on the cheek after leading the authorities to Him, all of these men but John would scatter from Christ's side. Even Peter who would take off another man's ear before allowing Jesus to be taken into custody. Jesus would wash the feet of men who in front of Him stand strong but when things get a bit dicey, they run in different directions. It would be Peter who would deny Christ 3 times, this strong man whose name means rock. Because of what would take place soon after that denial, a door was opened for all mankind to walk into the grace of forgiveness, restoration and transformation that Christ offers us through the blood of His crucifixion. After Christ is crucified and resurrected in John 21 Jesus shows himself to His disciples at the Sea of Tiberias.

John 21:7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8The other disciples followed in the boat,...

It is Peter, the one who denies Christ, that jumps from the boat to meet Christ. He can't even wait to paddle ashore. He wants to be actively moving towards Christ, not waiting on a boat. He swims to shore, and reaches Jesus.

That is the story of redemption, The Christ washes the feet of those who love Him, but will fail Him, but those who love Him will find their way back, even if they have to get drenched in the process. It is a heart thing, they will do whatever it takes to pursue and seek Christ with all they are, for without Him they have no life. With Him they have life abundantly.

I can testify to Peter's denial in my life, I can also testify to jumping out of the proverbial boat and swimming with every ounce of energy to get back in Christ's arms. My eyes only focused on Him. It is a love story of epic proportion.

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