A Life of Purpose

John 21:14-25

     Today's reading will bring us to the end of our journey through the book of John.

     And yet, what we have read about Jesus only touches the tip of the iceberg, "...There are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written..."

     After Jesus' crucifixion Peter went back to fishing. His statement of purpose, "I am going fishing.", gave other disciples something to do, also. They went fishing with him!

     Have you ever know a "Type A" person? They go from event to event, project to project, barely slowing down between each, always looking forward to the next. When we read about Peter throughout the Gospels, he seems to fit that profile. And imagine how many events he had witnessed if all that Jesus had done during His earthly ministry couldn't be written down because the, "...world itself couldn't contain all the books that would be written..."! Each day would've been filled with meaning and purpose.

    And then the cross...

     The hiding in fear behind a closed door...

     With Jesus gone, what purpose did life have?

     Jesus did not leave Thomas in doubt....and He did not leave Peter without purpose.

     "...do you love me? ...Feed my sheep..."

     Even though Peter had betrayed Jesus, there was still a reason for him to go on. Jesus had a plan for Peter that was much bigger than a fishing boat, nets and fish. We see the plan lived out in Acts 2. Peter was in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. Now filled with the Holy Spirit he stood before a crowd of devout Jews from, "every nation under heaven", and Peter raised his voice to tell them about Jesus Christ... that they needed  to, "Repent...be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ...be saved from this perverse generation."

     God has a purpose for us too.

     Perhaps you doubt that statement. You, like Peter, may have denied Jesus over and again. How could He possibly care about you? How could you have a part in the work of His Kingdom?

     "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

     Jesus gave Peter a purpose. You are not here randomly, He has a purpose for you, too!

     Believe what you have read in the book of John. Jesus loves you. He died for you. He offers eternal life with Him if you repent of your sins and confess Him as your Savior. He will walk with you every day of your life and reveal the purpose He has for you.

     And you will be amazed...