Week of July 19, 2024
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love you.” He said to him, feed my lambs.” John 21:15 (NKJV)
Jesus always has a unique but wonderful way of restoring us when we fail Him. He will not use methods like humiliation or harsh criticism to get your attention and He will not ask you to make resolutions to try harder. Jesus’ method for correction is to take us aside and ask us to reaffirm our love for Him. The Bible tells us that Peter failed his Lord when he fled from the Garden of Gethsemane and then publicly denied that he even knew Jesus. I am sure that Peter even doubted that he could once again be Jesus’ disciple.
Maybe you feel that you have failed the Lord in some way in the past or even just recently. Perhaps you have disobeyed Him or denied Him by the way you have been living. If that is you, take courage that Jesus will take you aside just as He did with Peter two thousand years ago. He will not humiliate you but He will ask you to reexamine your love for Him. He asked Peter, “Do you love me?” If your answer is yes He will most assuredly reaffirm His will for you. Remember that Jesus does not need our promises to try harder. Jesus is simply asking for our love. If we truly love Him it will show in our daily service for Him.
God Bless, Pastor Rick