Week of July 19, 2019

“He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, 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 all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. (John 21:17, NKJV)

For three years Peter had been taught by the greatest teacher ever. Well, every now and then He had to take a test. He failed seamanship because he sank beneath the waves of unbelief. He failed agriculture because He could not distinguish between wheat and chaff. He failed in human relations because he denied his best friend.

The good news is that Christ does not call those who are able. He enables those He calls. Peter passed the final test that was given to him. It was a one question exam, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He passed that test with flying colors. He said “Lord you know I love you.” So, the Lord answered and said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27, NKJV). The Bible also says in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

I think it is wise from time to time to really get serious with ourselves and ask the question – Do we really love God? With all our heart, soul, mind, and strength? Where is our focus? What are our priorities? Jesus asks, “Lovest thou me more than these” Peter passed the exam. I hope each of us does the same.

God Bless, Pastor Rick