Devotionals

Beginning Again

by Jennifer Woodley 
02/13/17
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Beginning Again

‘He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”’ John 13:6 (NRSV).

Peter brings all of himself to this scene. He is full of misunderstanding and shows resistance to what the Lord is about to do. “Lord you will never wash my feet.” (8) But then moments later is full of enthusiasm and acceptance when he says, “Lord not my feet only, but also my hands and head.” (9) Peter is in a quandary. He desperately wants to please his Saviour, but doesn’t always get it right or comprehend the full implications of what Jesus is saying.

And neither do we. One moment we are pouring our hearts out in love and surrender to our Lord and then we blow it by acting or speaking as if we hardly knew Him. We can easily relate to Peter, as the different parts of our whole self are played out in our daily lives.  Like Peter, we may stumble but can rise up again in His strength and power.

Thank God for His grace and mercy. Jesus loved Peter despite his shortcomings and weaknesses. Jesus understands our nature and invites us to be kind to ourselves in the midst of our human weaknesses. Self-criticism and harsh judgement will never do. We can have gentler conversations with ourselves, knowing that we will stumble, but can begin again in the power of the Spirit. Jesus loves and forgives His children despite their weaknesses. Let this promise encourage us to ask for His help and forgiveness and to begin again in His name.