As I have been sharing, Easter is more than just one Sunday a year. With the empty tomb comes a provision for every day that we live. I wonder how many times the things Christ accomplished for us crosses our mind. Christ provided for us in a way we could not provide for ourselves. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Provision is a term that indicates someone is thinking of someone else’s needs and makes a way for them even if they don’t meet the standard set. Christ made that provision for us. Provision requires that we think of the needs of others and then put in place what is necessary to provide for them.
We can look at provision another way. Think of heading out on a trip. What do you pack? In general, you pack what you think you need. You think ahead and bring what you’ll need. Have you ever forgotten anything?
I have one of those minds that tries to think of every possible scenario that might happen and bring everything I might possibly need. I don’t know if it’s the Boy Scout Be Prepared syndrome or I’m just a knucklehead, but I usually have way too much baggage. Oh, and I usually forget something basic, LOL. I’m glad there is a Walgreen’s in most places I go.
The Gospels tells us of the provision Christ makes for us. You may remember the story of Peter and his denial of knowing Christ on the fateful night. Three times Peter was asked and three times he denied knowing Jesus. When he realized what he had done and that Christ predicted this, he fell to his knees and wept bitterly.
Luke 22:60-62; NLT; But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.
At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.
As the events of Christ’s death and resurrection played out Peter was left with the guilt and shame of his denial. He watched, hopeless to change what he had done. As the hours passed the realization set in that he didn’t have the power and strength to save himself. He needed the provision of Christ. But how would he receive it? Christ was crucified.
Then on Resurrection morning the story came of the empty tomb. The men thought it nonsense when the women told them, but Peter was curious.
Luke 24:11-12; NLT; But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.
What happens when things don’t go the way we planned? We go back and try to figure out how to do things differently. We go back and try to figure out what went wrong. We try to figure out what we need to do to obtain a different result.
John 21:1-3; NLT; Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.
Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”
Peter may not have realized it but he was a leader. They fished all night and caught nothing. Imagine Peter’s thoughts; “I can’t even fish anymore!” But there on the shore was a provision. Jesus had prepared a fire, breakfast and was waiting for Peter and the others. He knew their needs and was there to meet them.
John 21: 12-14; NLT; “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.
As they finished up breakfast Jesus addressed Peter, He asked about Peter’s heart. He restored Peter one denial at a time, each with a command to take care of those that belong to Christ. Peter now understood his need for the provision Christ made. He would spend the rest of his days proclaiming that salvation is found in no one else.
We each need to embrace the provision both physical and spiritual that Christ made for us, accept it and live as one who knows and honors God. Christ will meet us where we are, provide what we need and restore our soul.
Blessings,
Pastor Don