And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself. —John 18:18

As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. —John 21:9

I love to grill burgers, steaks, chicken, on an outdoor grill over a CHARCOAL FIRE! You don’t get the same aroma and flavor from gas grills. When I read of “a fire of coals” in the Bible, it grabs my attention.

The Apostle Peter had a couple encounters at “a fire of coals.” His first encounter came after Jesus was arrested in the garden. Peter is standing outside the palace of the high priest where Jesus was taken. “A fire of coals” was kindled where people were warming themselves. As Peter stood amongst them, he was confronted about being one of Christ’s disciples. There Peter denied knowing Christ, not once, but three times.

After Christ’s resurrection, Peter decides to return to his fishing business. Several of Peter’s buddies join him. But after a night of fishing, they fail to catch a single fish. Jesus appears on the shore and calls to them, “Children, have ye any meat?” They answer, “No.” Jesus instructs them, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.” They do so, and catch 153 “great fish” in their net. Immediately John recognizes it is the Lord. Peter jumps into the water and swims ashore to meet Christ.

As Peter approaches Jesus, he encounters another “fire of coals” on the beach with some fish cooking. No doubt the aroma of the burning charcoal brought back memories of that other fire where he denied Christ three times. Now at this second “fire of coals” Jesus has Peter reaffirm his love three times and calls him back to the ministry (John 21:15-17).

Several days later, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter has another encounter with fire. He is filled with the Holy Ghost, and there sat upon him “cloven tongues like as fire” (Acts 2:3-4). Peter preaches to those gathered at Jerusalem and 3,000 souls are saved and baptized! Quite a different experience from Peter’s first experience at those “fire of coals” outside the palace.

Thank God, no matter how many times you may have failed the Lord, He can still use you to do great things for Him. Just ask Peter!