March 1, 2022 -- John 21:17 -- One consequence flowing from love for Jesus

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” 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 21:17 ESV

The word of God is so rich and interesting and deep that you can read a passage dozens of time and still find new layers of depth and meaning. A colleague recommended the book: “The Pastor HIS CALL, CHARACTER, AND WORK”. It is a wonderful read. Chapter 5 is Archibald Alexander’s 1834 sermon focused on this text. So the credit for this reflection belongs to him.

Jesus had asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” To the number corresponds to the extent and depths of his denials Jesus is now evoking Peter’s repentance and renewing his expression of love. What Alexander connected for me, so beautifully in his sermon, is the simple observation that in order for Peter to feed Jesus’ sheep, Peter must first truly love Jesus.

There are many eloquent and gifted speakers who preach, but the message does not “stick around long” because the speaker does not love Jesus so much as his own performance or skills. There are men who can explain the word very well, but it is sand and dust because it is rules and laws, requirements and legalities all of which fail because there is no evidence of love for Jesus which shows Him to be the fulfillment of the law and our joy. 

Wonder why it is difficult for you to evangelize ? Ask yourself, how is my heart oriented towards the Savior? Do I feel I must appease Him? Then Jesus will be a hard task-master. Or do I see Him, with nail-scarred hands, reaching out in love inviting repentance, offering His extravagant forgiveness, and evoking a response of love? On the basis of His rich, sacrificial love, do I love Him? Does this love motivate me to speak about Him and tell others look to Him, love Him, learn more of Him and serve Him—yes, all of this is what it means to feed the sheep. Now more than ever our world, both the wandering sheep and those in the fold, need this Savior!

In confidence of Thy goodness and great mercy, O Lord,
   I draw near unto Thee,
   as a sick person to the Healer,
   as one hungry and thirsty to the Fountain of life,
   a creature to the Creator,
   a desolate soul to my own tender Comforter.
Behold, in Thee is all whatsoever I can or ought to desire;
Thou art my Salvation and my Redemption,
   my Hope and my Strength.
Rejoice therefore this day the soul of Thy servant;
   for unto Thee, O Lord,
   have I lifted up my soul--Amen.
Thomas À Kempis

https://youtu.be/dnhCMThVADg

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