Treasure in clay pots

I was listening to a radio play one afternoon recently, telling of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry here on earth. What came across to me so vividly in this story, that we all know so well, was how very ordinary Jesus’ first disciples were.

This was shown dramatically when Jesus told Peter and Andrew to let down their nets, and having caught nothing throughout a long, hard night’s fishing, they hauled in a huge catch. Peter’s reaction was one of brokenness and fear as he told Jesus to go away from him, recognising in Jesus a purity and light that showed up all his own sinfulness.

So often we feel inadequate and ill-prepared for serving Jesus. We want to give Him our very best but feel failures, as we sin again or make mistakes. As we look at Peter’s life and see the many mistakes he made, we can take comfort from the fact the Jesus still chose him - just as He still chooses us – to work with Him for His Kingdom purposes. He really loves us that much!

When we belong to Him we have the treasure of the Gospel (good news) within us, frail vessels that we are, which enables us to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and, in His strength, start all over again.

Prayer: Dear Father, I come to You with all my weaknesses and sinfulness to thank You that You will not turn me away no matter how many times I mess things up. Please help me to grow strong in You so that one day You will be able to say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ In Jesus’ Name, Amen.