Scripture Union Daily Guide 15 April 2020 Devotional
Topic: Backslidden disciples
Opening Prayer: Oh Lord, grant me spiritual insight into the truth of your word as I study it.
Scripture: John 21: 1–14
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• What is God revealing to me in this passage?
Outline: Imagine how Jesus might have felt when, after three years of training and spiritual investment, Peter went back to his old fishing trade (Matthew 4:19) shortly after the resurrection. What could be the reason for such an unexpected action by Peter and the other disciples? Take note that when he went fishing, six other disciples went with him (vv.2–3).
Scripture Union Daily Guide 15 April 2020 – Backslidden disciples
What does this teach us about the power and influence of leadership? How would this singular event have affected Jesus mission had he not showed up at this point? Whatever his reason for going back to fishing, Peter’s action amounted to backsliding and a fruitless effort (v.3b). However, when Jesus showed up on the scene the story changed (vv.4–6, 11).
Whenever we go back to our old habits, go back on our promises to Jesus or abandon our God–given tasks to pursue self–centred activities, we are behaving exactly like Peter and his fishing partners did, no matter how good our excuses may be (See Luke 9:62). Jesus’ appearance to his backslidden disciples and dining with them serves to prove that he resurrected bodily and lives forever (vv.12–14).
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• And so: “whosever puts his hand on the plough looking back is not fit for the kingdom”
Closing Prayer
• Lord Jesus, help me never to go back to my old ways of life, no matter the roughness of the road to life eternal.
• Pray for the educational needs of the children of missionaries.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Ephesians 3:20
Read the Bible in one Year
Lev. 25; Rev. 3