THE APOSTLE of HOPE

Peter the apostle starts his epistles with emphasis on the Hope we have in Christ Jesus our Lord. How  did this become possible? After betraying his master, he must have become discouraged and initiated going back to 'fishing'. Instead of 'fishing for people' as Jesus commissioned him, Peter was returning to the things he left for following Jesus. He was 'looking behind' after the crucifixion of Jesus!! Is this what for he followed Jesus and took an oath that 'whatever happens he will never leave Jesus'? Let me trace the stages through which the Risen Lord took him, which made his stand very FIRM.

   Peter was appointed to lead the disciples of the RISEN LORD, by his master Christ. The account we read in John Ch.21 , projects stages of revelation and reinstatement of the apostle Peter.  These   are as follows : 1. JESUS the STRANGER  ____ none of the disciples, except John recognised Jesus standing on the other side of the lake.  2. JESUS the Lord ___ the tired and weary disciples obeyed the command of Jesus, to cast their fishnet on the 'right side ' of the boat, and had a good catch.  3. JESUS the HOST ___ when  they reached the shore, pulling the net,  Jesus was there ready to serve  breakfast and invited them to 'come and dine'. 4. JESUS the MASTER ___  who healed Peter of the wounds of failure and guilt , and enabled him to confess his  commitment to love Jesus as he deserved. 5. JESUS the SHEPHERD ___  after the Triple declaration of loving service, Jesus commanded Peter to feed both the sheep and the lambs of His flock.  Jesus instructed Peter to follow HIM and Not to indulge in any comparison with his colleagues.  My heart leaps with joy and adoration, 'Oh,  WHAT A SAVIOUR IS THE LORD I SERVE'. He is only worthy of all the glory and the honour , through time and eternity. Amen.