An Invitation to the Fallen
In Mark 16:7, Jesus gives instructions to specifically invite Peter to meet him in Galilee. Peter denied Jesus during the time of the trial (Mark 14:66-72), yet he gets a special invitation from Jesus to be reunited with him. Jesus invites Peter to renewed relationship after knowing that he had failed. Jesus invites Peter to renewed friendship and partnership after he demonstrated that he wouldn't be loyal to Jesus. The special invitation goes out to a "fallen" brother to come.
Jesus forgives the fallen. We say it and read it, but it is often difficult for us to internalize this basic truth. God forgives. Peter wept after denying Jesus. He may not have felt comfortable coming if the women didn't give him a specific invitation. He may have felt as though there was no way that Jesus would want to deal with him again, not after his failure. Jesus clears all that up by making sure that a special invitation went out to Peter. Can you imagine how Peter felt when he heard, "and Peter"? Who me? Are you sure? Did Jesus really invite me? WOW.
Please hear today that Jesus invites the fallen. He knows when we will fall. Jesus knows how we will fall. Therefore Jesus is not surprised by our failures. Jesus invites the fallen to receive forgiveness. He invites the weary to come and rest. He invites the sick to come to the doctor. Please hear the invitation of Jesus, "and your name". Meet with him today and ask Him to forgive you. Though you may be done with yourself, he is not done with you.
Choose today to ask for forgiveness and accept the forgiveness that Jesus offers to the fallen.
Created 10 months ago
