Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

~Lamentations 3:22–33 NIV

Going out to breakfast with my husband on Saturday mornings breaks our monotony, allowing us to chat about things we wouldn’t usually discuss at home. Doing so also adds a sweet spot to our relationship. Having someone smile and pour freshly brewed coffee, scramble my eggs, and brown my sausage eases the annoyance of cooking and cleaning up. I sit back, relax, and enjoy the start of the day. But this can’t compare to breakfast with Jesus.

Morning time is hard when you’ve had a difficult night.

The disciples had a rough start to their early morning, having caught nothing all night. Then, a stranger called from the shore where the gentle waves broke, “Throw your net on the other side.”

They follow His advice and nearly get pulled into the water because of the weight of their catch. They recognize the stranger as Jesus. He had built a fire, fried fish, and baked bread. He called out to the tired and discouraged disciples when it was hot and ready.

“Come and get it while it’s hot. And bring some of your fish.”

Someone had thought of them and their needs, easing the sleepiness and weariness of the night before. Morning brought a fresh start with a miraculous load of fish in the presence of Jesus.

Miracles happen in the morning.

While they savored the last morsels of fish and bread, Jesus conversed with Peter.

“Do you love me?”

“Yes. Of course, I do.”

“Feed my sheep.”

Jesus stays on point. “Do you love me?”

“Yes, yes, I do. You know that.”

Emphasizing the third time, Jesus says, “Do you love me?”

Wincing, Peter says, “Yes, Lord. You know all things.”

Indeed, Jesus does. Peter rejected Jesus three times before Jesus died. But after Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus intentionally sought Peter and mercifully forgave him. Jesus had big plans for Peter. He would hand him the keys to open the kingdom of God and build the church.

Making ready for something new can challenge us.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

~Ephesians 2:10 NIV

 How true that God knows all things about us. He knows the times we’ve rejected Him and the hard nights we’ve had with our spouse, antagonistic co-worker, or an unfaithful friend. He’s here to remind us His mercy is new each morning, and He is always ready to give us a fresh start.

Jesus gives us what we need for the plans He has prepared in advance for us to do. We should let our hearts soak in His love and forgiveness each day. His arms extend wide to receive us into His embrace. Our failures disappear, and instead, with Jesus’ sweet touch, our life flows full to the brim.

In Jesus, we find mercy because He is faithful. We don’t have to give up. Rather, we can start anew with a refreshed and energized conversation with Jesus. He’s got breakfast ready and waiting. Don’t miss breakfast with Jesus.

What are some things you can receive from the Lord in the morning?

Dear Lord, thank You for intentionally pursuing my fragile self when I go to idols that outweigh Your presence. Bring me back to recognizing that forgiveness is in You. Your mercies wipe my slate clean. Today, I surrender to Your authority and rely on Your abundant provision. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2023: Breakfast with Jesus: Lynne Head: All Rights Reserved

 (photo courtesy of pixaby and coyot)