Gospel writers Matthew (28:19-20), Mark (16:15) and Luke (Acts 1:8) all give clear Great Commission pronouncements. What about John? He handles this in a different way in John 21 where he tells the story of Peter and the others going fishing.
The details that John provides in this story are interesting. It is interesting that Jesus takes great pains to speak into Peter’s life during this early morning at the shore. It is as though Jesus is communicating a custom message to Peter, but at the same time indicating to us, who come after him, that He is paying attention to the details of our lives. Jesus calls each of us in a different way. There are no cookie-cutter calls. Each calling is His unique stamp on our life; He takes into account our upbringing, our training, our natural talents, our acquired skills and interests. Each of us is as unique as each leaf on a tree is unique. You are made special for this time and this place. The Lord trusted you enough to put you on the earth at this time.
As with Peter, it does not matter how often or how severely you have failed. Believe the point of the story: it does not make any difference to Jesus. He can use you. He seeks to restore you to revitalize your call. He is willing; he is anxious to meet you on the beach of your life again and call you to His cause.
Jesus says to Peter , I will provide for you, if you stay on mission. Fill in the blank with your name. Jesus will provide for you if you commit to be intimate with Him and stay on mission. One way to engage is to register or login at missionnext.org and discover options the Lord has prepared for you at this time.
