A First Love Fire

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Our family loves to have backyard fires in our fire pit. There is a price to pay to enjoy a backyard fire. The smoke gets on and in you, making you smell like smoke for days. But despite the lingering smell, the memories created around the fire are priceless.

In the Gospel of John, we encounter a significant event involving fire and Peter. In John 18:15-18 and 18:25-27, Peter denies being a disciple of Jesus three times while warming himself by a fire. The details of this event are significant, as they highlight the power of the aural tradition and draw our attention to the impact of this moment.

Fast forward to John 21:9, just three chapters later, and we see Jesus bring Peter back to the fire. The smell of the fire from that fateful night lingers, reminding Peter of his failure, shame, and regret. But Jesus has a different purpose in mind. He wants to reshape Peter's past and recast his destiny.

Jesus takes the fire itself, the very symbol of Peter's betrayal, and turns it into an agent of redemption. He wants to do the same in our lives, taking the brokenness, hurt, and drifting passion for Him, and using them to show us that we can find forgiveness and freedom from shame, guilt, bitterness, and humiliation. Jesus redeems our past, and nothing is wasted. He also reveals a fresh vision for our future.

To step into our own fireplace encounter with Jesus, there are three key steps we can take:

1. Dive In:

Live your life with a bias toward action, especially when it comes to pursuing an encounter with Jesus. Like Peter, when he recognised the Lord, put on his tunic, jumped into the water, and headed to shore, we must have a hunger and eagerness for encountering Jesus. We need to dive into a new season of passionately pursuing the things of God.

2. Devour Our Breakfast:

Jesus wants to feed us, not only physically but also spiritually. He wants to fuel us for His purposes. Spending time with Jesus, both personally and corporately, is essential. We need to have private and personal daily time with Jesus, reading and studying the Bible. We also need to engage in corporate gatherings such as life groups and church services, where we can learn from and be sharpened by fellow believers.

3. Deal With Our Demons:

Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, addressing the three times Peter denied Him. Jesus needed to deal with Peter's demons, leaving no stone unturned in the process of complete redemption. Sometimes facing our demons and finding healing can be painful, but Jesus, in His kindness, offers it to us anyway. He calls us to the fire to face our doubts and insecurities and find healing and restoration.

Now, let's reflect on these truths and consider the following questions:

1. How can you live your life with a bias toward action, diving into a new season of passionately pursuing the things of God? Share a time when you pursued an encounter with Jesus with eagerness.

2. Why do you think Jesus used the fire as a means of redemption for Peter, despite the association of the fire with Peter's betrayal and shame?

3. Facing our demons and finding healing can be a challenging process. Are you willing to face your own demons and allow Jesus to bring complete redemption in your life? Why or why not?

Take some time to reflect on these questions, discuss them with others, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus and embrace the fire of His redemption in your life.