Meditate.
After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter,
"Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes,
Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you." "Then feed my
lambs," Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of
John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I
love you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said. A third
time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was
hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know
everything. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Then feed my
sheep. John 21:15-17
Picture Jesus and seven of His disciples
sitting around a little campfire. He serves them some freshly roasted fish and
bread and they devoured it. The disciples are tired after fishing all night,
but they just start to chat. It is amazing to see their Savior again—this is
the third time after His resurrection. They are beginning to wonder if it will
always be this way…will He always be with them? A couple of the guys are so
tired they drift off to sleep, but not Peter. He is intent in his conversation
with the Lord.
Jesus asks Peter three times…Do you love me...? Do you love me...? Do you
love me...? Remember Peter denied knowing Christ three times. I don’t know Him. Christ’s questions cut
right to the core of his heart. Now Jesus was forgiving him. Of course, Peter
loves Jesus…loves Him more than others…more than his fishing or life itself. With
each question Jesus told him to “feed” and “take care of” His lambs and
sheep—His followers. That was just what Peter would do. He deeply wanted to
please His Lord. Feed the lambs—give the young believers spiritual guidance. Take
care of His sheep—give them direction. Feed His sheep—the grown believers—give them
leadership. Show Christ’s love by loving them. Peter was ready to serve the
Lord.
The Lord is saying to each of us…as He said
to Peter…Do you love me? And what is
your answer? I love you, Lord with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength…and
I love my neighbor as myself. I will feed and tend your sheep.
Prayer
~ Lord God, just as You taught the Israelites when they were about to enter the
Promised Land and throughout the Bible…And you must love the LORD your God with
all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5. I love
You, Lord, and I will do as You expected of Peter…I will feed and tend Your
sheep. Show me what to do. Open my eyes to opportunities to serve You.
Happy Birthday – Sweet Amelia!
Love You Little Lady Bug
©
2020 Text and painting by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless
otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,
copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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