John - Backslider Restored

God's call to faith in Christ continues even if we have backslidden. We see that in the case of Simon Peter when he was restored to his place as an apostle. In our case, like his, there is a background; it includes the deed committed, the fear of being cut off, but also the atonement and the resurrection of Jesus. Sometimes God brings things to our mind that we rather forget; he also reminds us of our first faith in Christ. He did that with Simon - the smell of the fire with Jesus nearby, and the miraculous catch of fish. Jesus deals with our heart, just as he did with Simon in the threefold question, 'Do you love me?' We answer, 'Lord, you know all things.' When Jesus re-commissioned Simon he gave him a threefold mission. He does the same in his church today - spreading the gospel, building up God's people, then dying in a manner that brings glory to God. It is easy for us to get distracted; Simon asked Jesus about John's future. He tells us both to mind our own business and get on with the work he has given to us.