Devotionals

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Fireside chats stir feelings of intimacy, romance and tenderness. I’m an avid fan of classic movies from the late 1930-1950 era. They often featured scenes of couples before a cozy fire with only the light of dancing flames and sparks of embers lighting the room. A hush seemed to fall upon the lovers as they chatted and looked from the fire to one another’s eyes.

The Apostle Peter was not in the mood for a chat. “And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, and warming himself at the fire (Mark 14: 54 RSV).” He felt a chill as onlookers accused him of being a follower of Jesus. (Mark 14:66-72). The guilt of denying his Lord reduced him to tears.

Before an open fire, Christ lifted guilt from Peter and reappointed him for service (John 21:9-19) “Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep (John 21:17b RSV).” A fireside chat transformed a fisherman into faithful caregiver of the Great Shepherd’s flock.

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