Annie
Scriptures: John 21 As Peter stood on the shore watching his Risen Lord and Master serving up breakfast, it’s hard to fathom what must have been going through his mind. All the events that had happened, culminating in the bloody slaughter of Jesus, then the amazing resurrection and the empty tomb, must have been swirling around in his thoughts. Probably the foremost would have been his own denial of his Lord and his shame that made him fear that he had lost everything because of it.
In such tender mercy Jesus provided the all encompassing antidote to that fear and shame. No longer would dawn breaking alongside an open fire, with the sound of a crowing cockerel, bring back that awful memory of vehement denial. Now, it would mean the complete and perfect assurance that he was known and loved by Christ his Lord. Calvary, with its stench of blood and death, was the catalyst that once and for all, had paid for his redemption and forgiveness. But, what now lay ahead for him, beyond Calvary?
When Peter questioned Jesus “what about this man”, referring to John, Jesus was very clear in his reply. Jesus’ instruction to Peter was, essentially, “that’s none of your business, you follow Me.” And from what Jesus had just before said to Peter, it’s clear that the path was already laid out, carefully and uniquely for him, even to the manner of his death. As we are blessed to be able to read, it was a path that would see the impetuosity of the man who cut off the servant’s ear, be transformed into the powerful preacher of the Gospel of Christ, leading many to the salvation so dearly paid for at Calvary
Jesus’ reply to Peter, about John, may seem curt even somewhat dismissive, but that is so far from the truth of it. Jesus was encouraging Peter to see that He, Jesus, was completely focussed upon him, as if he was the only one there. Just as He, Jesus, was completely focussed upon John, and upon each of the others eating their breakfast on the shore that wonderful morning, as if each of them were the only one there.
So, my friends, what does your “beyond Calvary” look like to you? Have you, like Peter, had that moment of clarity when you saw that you are known and loved by God, that He is totally focussed upon you as if you were the only one?
My “Peter moment” came at a time when my husband was fading away before our eyes; despite the amazing care and skill of the doctors and nurses, his body was giving up. During his time in hospital, God had been constantly holding him, feeding and loving him, but my heart was breaking. I was driving into the hospital, weeping as I drove, crying to God “if the only way for him to be free, is for you to take him, then please take him home”. Then I remember telling Jesus I was so grateful that He was my Friend. And, suddenly, the car was filled with such peace and such joy, it was like a soft, warm blanket, and I heard the words “and you are My friend”. All of my life I had known about God, prayed to God, gone to church, Sunday school, even taught Sunday school, but this was the moment I knew without a shadow of doubt that I was known and loved by God, as if I was the only one.
Living life beyond Calvary means grasping the wonder that each of us is loved beyond measure, as if we were the only one who Christ had died for. Each of us is known intimately, transparently by God, He knows every secret of our heart. We are in His Presence 24/7, His gaze is always upon us, penetrating the darkness of this world with His glorious Light.
Dear ones, you are categorically and completely, always and forever loved by God AS IF YOU WERE THE ONLY ONE. Grasp this, treasure it, and always know that wherever you are, whatever you are doing, God will hear your cry, your joys and your sorrows. You are living in the Love that is beyond Calvary.
Prayer: Abba Father, let us always remember what Christ bought for us at Calvary and that we are forever within that family circle that is Your Love and Life. Through His Name and the power of Holy Spirit we pray. Amen
FOOTNOTE: Mike, my husband, left hospital fully healed through the power of God, and is still fit and well thirteen and a half years later.
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