My Jesus and "After"

We've been doing a sermon series at church called "Living the Lord's Prayer". It's been SO great! Aaron had the topic yesterday which covered the phrase "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one". At one point the story of Peter's denial of Christ was brought up, and a particular verse really struck me.

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32

What a beautiful picture of the heart of Jesus in a moment of a "fall"!!! Jesus warns him of a coming temptation with total awareness that Peter will stumble, but His sights are NOT set on the sin. He's focused on the RETURN and even gives Peter instructions for encouraging the others when he comes back.

THAT'S...AMAZING!!!

It doesn't diminish the seriousness of our choices to walk away at all...but it gives us a picture of Jesus' focus...RESTORATION.

What a huge invitation for the church to move through and beyond the cross to BIGGER, restored living. The re-entrance of hope, joy, intimacy, mission... So, so, so many (personally and corporately) camp around "sin" but neglect the true heart expressed in the suffering on the cross. The fact that it's a sacrificial gate to...restored life. Jesus didn't stay there...I'm guessing God's kiddos shouldn't linger too long either...

There's a TON of LIVING to do...