THE ART OF RETURNING
That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.
John 21:7 (ESV)
What pulls our hearts away from Jesus? Drifting from Jesus is usually subtle. Over time, pain, disappointment, confusion and small daily choices can quietly move us from a place of surrender to a place of self-reliance. Pride is one of the greatest threats to wholeheartedly following Jesus because it subtly convinces us that our will can coexist with God's.
Judas is a prime example. Somewhere along the way, Judas' desire to follow Jesus was tangled with his own expectations, desires and disappointments. On the outside he appeared to be a devoted follower of Jesus, but on the inside, his heart had quietly wandered from surrender. But before we judge Judas too quickly, remember that even the faithful ones in Scripture had Judas moments: David, Abraham, Peter, Paul and many others. If we're honest, haven't we as well? We're all faced with the same choice: our way or God's way.
So, what's the difference between Judas and Peter? Both followed, and both betrayed. Why did Judas give in to despair while Peter was restored? One ran, but the other knew how to return.
As disciples of Jesus, we must learn the art of returning. We're being transformed from death to life. As we journey with Him, we'll sometimes be frail, confused, disappointed or simply maturing in His ways. When we miss the mark, Jesus will show us the way back to Him. This is good news. It means that conviction isn't a death threat, but an invitation--an invitation to Jesus, to be transformed by Him.
This is what Peter experienced. Instead of running further away, repentance redirected his thoughts and heart back to Jesus. Peter jumped out of the boat and found himself home again. If only Judas had done the same.
Repentance confronts our prideful nature and returns our broken ways to the feet of Jesus, surrendering control back to Him. Repenting doesn't mean losing hope or living in self-hatred. It means allowing God to bring us back home to Himself and reshape the way we think from our own understanding to His.
APPLICATION: Following Jesus means learning the art of returning again and again. Today, invite the Lord to reshape your thinking and draw your heart back to Him.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for teaching us how to return. I ask that You search me and know me and lead me back to You in every area of my life. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?