It is interesting how some homes still find use for broken mugs. You find them in the cupboard as a spare mug to use. Others still lovingly utilize them though they are chipped, a bit broken, have cracks, or no longer have handles. And these are all especially true if the mug has a sentimental value for them.
In the same way, as followers of Jesus, we can still be mightily used in spite of our brokenness. We can still be vessels of God’s love, graciousness, mercy and kindness towards others, despite our failures, bad choices, and the shameful past we dare not bring up.
“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Romans 8:29-30
Who could be more broken in the New Testament, than the Apostle Peter who denied Jesus three times? Jesus revealed to Him that He will be the foundation of His church, yet Jesus also revealed to Him that He will deny Him at the crucial moment of his life.
And when Peter indeed turned his back on the Messiah, and then later on decided to go back to his old life of fishing, Jesus again manifested Himself to Peter. There, He gave Him not only an overflowing catch of fish, He also prepared breakfast for Peter and the other disciples who left his side when the going got tough.
“Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.” John 21:12-14
Right after that wonderful breakfast did the Lord reinstate Peter, and asked Him once again if He is still willing to push through with the mission He gave Him. Jesus reconfirmed Peter’s answer three times, the same number of times Peter denied Him before the others.
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17
If God wasn’t a gracious God, if He does not intend to use people who have failed and become broken, Jesus would not have gone on commissioning Peter to lead His church.
God would not have chosen to call Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob because Jacob has always been identified by his past mistakes as a deceiver and a cheater.
Jesus would not have been borne from the lineage of King David, who made a terrible mess of Himself when He decided to sleep with Bathsheba and plot to kill her husband.
But our God is a God of second, third, fourth and many chances. Our God looks at us and sees not only our mistakes, but our potential to grow in His grace. He is sovereign enough to know everything that happens and will happen in your life, He has good plans, and He is in control.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
And so when God calls you to fulfill His purpose for you and be a vessel of His love and mercy, do not hesitate to follow Him. Your past mistakes have nothing to do with it. Your current failures have nothing to do with it. All you have to do is to come to Him, repent, turn away from your sinful nature and grow your faith.
“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21
Remove all the doubts in your head, and shed your shame because when you surrendered your life to Christ, He gave you a new beginning. A clean slate to live your life rightly with God. He has planned everything all along and everything that you have gone through, you will be able to use to help out others, and to carry out God’s purpose for your life.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 2 Corinthians 1:3
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on John 21:1-19 and 2 Timothy 2:21-26 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Does your brokenness stop you from coming to Christ, and spreading His light to others?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for redeeming me and giving me a new beginning. Thank you for impressing upon me that my past mistakes will never hinder your great purpose for my life. I know you have only the best plans for me and so please use my life for your glory. Amen.
