Come In, He Is Open

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

John 21:25

This ending to John welcomes Peter back into His arms. Peter after denying Him, is welcomed back because of the Love that he has for Him, and the love that He has for him.

In this chapter you read about how the disciples do not recognize Him when He is standing on the shore. They are failing with their fishing. And He calls out to them. (John 21: 3-6). In their trust that He will provide, even when He may not be there they do as the man standing on the shore says. They end up bringing in more than they could ever imagine.

This is the joy and the healing that is offered through accepting Him. This is the hope that is offered through Him. Depression and anxiety may feel like not matter what you try nothing is working. No matter how many times, you practice the coping skill, or ride the wave, there is the feeling of hopelessness. He is the hope. You only need to have faith, trust, and believe.

This chapter in John shows the invitation that He offers now that He has risen. This invitation is something that is extended to everyone. This invitation extends so much further than the fish that the disciples were catching. This invitation extends to you today. You are the fish. You are the lamb (John 21:15). You are the sheep (John 21:16,17). You are the one being guided to Him. The experiences of depression and anxiety may act as road blocks and hurdles in the path to Him. But they do not change the invitation that is offered by Him. He does not revoke the invitation because of your experiences of depression and anxiety. He does not revoke the invitation because of your reactions or responses. In fact, He offers Himself up for those experiences. For you. For me. For us.

Scripture:

John 21

John 21:3-6

John 21:15-19 (Jesus Reinstates Peter)

Questions:

Knowing that His arms are always open, what keeps you from drawing near to Him?

What must it have been like for the disciples to trust this man, only to find out it was Him? Have you experienced anything like this?

How has this journey through John helped you to grow closer to Him? How has it helped you manage the experiences of depression and anxiety?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son to die on the cross for us. Thank you for allowing His love to become a love that lasts forever. I pray for those who are in the midst of struggles. I pray for those who need the guiding comfort of your son. I pray that the experiences of depression and anxiety become more manageable. Lord, I know that your son has come to comfort and save. I pray that those who need this find it. In your son's name. Amen.