Today’s Exhortation – Soul Hurts pt2
In continuation of dealing with soul/spirit hurts, we’ll look at a biblical example. One of them is when Peter betrayed The Lord Jesus three times. We’re told that Peter ran and wept painfully. In effect he was hurt in his soul. He no longer felt a part of the group and when everyone was together he left his assignment for fishing for men to go and fish for fish. In John 21 we find that he returned to his old job of fishing, but Jesus went to find him to restore him. Peter and those that were with him toiled all night and caught nothing and Jesus came to them and told them where to find fish. Immediately they recognised Him. The Lord then made a fire for them and food to come and be fed. In front of everyone He asked Peter three times if he loved Him and then told him to feed his sheep. To understand what was happening, we must look at the picture. Peter betrayed Jesus by the fire place and in front of people.
The memory of fire places with people around them would’ve brought back painful memories for Peter. So The Lord chose a similar setting. Then He asked Peter three times in front of others if he loved Him. He did that to reaffirm to Peter His trust in him to be a leader which was his calling and restored him in the place of his pain and thereby healing his soul wound. What could be more powerful than being restored by the very one he betrayed? The purpose of these stories is not to tell us what Jesus did, but to tell us that’s what He does, He restores our souls. David wrote, “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:2-3). Have a blessed weekend, TBC…..
Francis Hans-Jorie
