Restoration
The Journey • Sermon • Submitted
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· 17 viewsLetting go of doubt, fear, and the past can seem impossible--but with Christ, through His death and resurrection, there is forgiveness, restoration, and renued fellowship with God
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The Resurrection Effect
The Resurrection Effect
I cannot think of anything greater that the Resurrection.
Three days Jesus was dead.
His death was the result of horrific beatings; His body ripped to shreds with a bone and metal laced whip; a spear thrusted into His side; His hands and feet stretched out and nailed on a cross of wood.
Three days later—He’s alive—full of power and authority.
The disciples—Jesus’ followers are overwhelmed as they see the Resurrected Lord.
What catches my attention is that the disciples do not know what to fully make of this.
One moment they are elated.
The next moment they are fearful.
One moment they can’t wait to tell others.
Another moment they are filled with doubt.
They are struggling with this new reality.
Back to the Beginning
Back to the Beginning
Following the weeklong festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples have returned to Galilee.
When we are not sure what to do, often we go back to our comfort zone. For some of the disciples, their comfort zone was fishing.
John 21:3-
Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Sometimes our comfort zone is not so comfortable.
As the morning approached, and as the disciples began to call it quits, and return to the shore, there was a man who ask them a question: “Do you have any fish?” “No,” they answered. Then the man said something strange: “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”
And, guess what? They caught so much fish they were not able to hall the net into the boat. It was at this moment, John recognized this man—it was Jesus!
Immediately Peter jumps out of the boat and swims to Jesus. No more doubting, no more running away, no more boats.
This is a watershed moment for Peter. Boats were his life—his livelihood—his comfort zone—his security blanket.
It is at this moment that we need to press the rewind button—to an occasion earlier on in the ministry of Jesus. It involved another boat on the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus has spent much time teaching people about he kingdom. He also healed many of sickness, demon possession, and diseases. So, after ministering to so many people, he told his disciples to get into a boat so they can continue ministry on the other side of the lake.
Then, the storm came—and raged—and the wind and the wave began to knock the boat around. And even with the disciples, many of whom were professional fishermen, they began to lose heart. Doom seemed certain.
But, Jesus was asleep—sound asleep. And the disciples were astonished!
What did Jesus know that the disciples didn’t?
How could Jesus not care about their pending destruction?
Author Ted Dekker puts it this way:
But Jesus is at peace. How can He be at rest in the midst of such a terrible threat? When you cry out in fear, He rises and looks out at that storm, totally unconcerned.
Why are you afraid? He asks.
Has He gone mad? Does He not see the reason for fear? Does He not see the cruel husband, the cancer, the terrified children, the abuse, the injustice, the empty bank account, the rejection at the hands of friends, the assault of enemies, the killing of innocents? How could He ask such a question?
Unless what He sees and what you see are not the same.
For Peter and the other disciples, the boat was their hope and security and safety. If it went, all was lost. But, Jesus knew differently.
The boat represents all that you think will keep you safe from death by drowning. You cling to your boat that you believe will save you from suffering.
But, Jesus knows better. Only He can save! Only He can exchange your suffering for peace—your hurts for hope—your discouragements for joy!
And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
Matthew 8:
Restoration
Restoration
Because of Jesus death and resurrection, Peter began to realize that the boat—all that he thought would bring safety and security—was not good enough. Only Jesus could do that!
Even with the backdrop of denying Jesus three times, even with the failure of leaving Jesus at his arrest and crucifixion, even going back to the boat—it was Jesus—the one who could speak to the wind and the wave—that is who he would trust.
So, he jumped out the boat and he jumped into faith in Christ.
There are three thoughts that I have for you today.
Guilt, shame, disappointment, and failure does not need to be the theme of your story.
God’s amazing grace connected with your response of faith will lead toward restoration.
Restoration in Christ enables you to let go of your past and embrace your destiny.
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.