A third time
Jesus revealed Himself to minister to His friends.
Clearly the
devil through he had brought their ministry to an end.
But worldly
appearance and God’s good plan often contradict
Christ would
restore fearful men, these leaders He had handpicked.
He found
them fishing just off the shore of the Tiberias Sea.
Fishing all
night without a catch, their nets empty as could be.
Jesus told
Peter to cast his net on the other side of the boat.
They pulled
up the nets so full of fish; the boat could barely float.
Jesus cooked
the fish that day and served the morning meal.
This third
appearance the Lord had planned His purpose to reveal.
After
breakfast Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me true?”
Peter turned
with grateful heart, said, “Lord, you know that I do.”
Jesus said, “Feed
my lambs” denoting Peter’s life call.
The apostle
wondered how this could be in light of his great fall.
A second
time Jesus repeated, “Simon, do you love me?”
Peter
affirmed and Jesus said, “Peter, feed My sheep.”
A third time
Jesus said to him, “Is your love for me strong and true?”
Peter
replied, “My love is true. You know for certain I do.”
Two times
now Peter heard the Lord say, “Peter, Tend My Sheep.”
His spirit broken
by his shame, he shook with sorrow and grief.
Jesus then said,
“Feed my sheep as I lead you day by day.
No longer
will you do your own thing; I will empower you as you pray.
All the way
until you die, trust me without reservation.
Fulfill the
work given you until your earthly graduation.”
Three times
Peter denied the Lord in the throes of intimidation.
Three time
the Lord called him again ensuring his consecration.
How many
times have we failed the Lord? Too many for us to count.
How thankful
I am there is no sin, too great for Christ to surmount.
About that
time John drew near and Peter asked of him too.
He was
rebuked about his desire to know what John would do.
The same is
true even today: for each child God has a plan.
Our greatest
goal is to follow Christ as a Spirit-transformed man.
This closes
the Gospel according to John, an account of Christ divine
Who sits at
the right hand of the Father and in our hearts full time.
It’s NOT for
me to demand of God His plan for someone I know.
It IS for me
to be a vessel through whom His Spirit can flow.
Let us like
Peter follow the Lord all the days of our life.
Let none of
them be governed again by jealousy or strife.
Let us lean
upon His care and trust in His daily provision.
Let it be
said we were faithful and true to the heavenly vision.
© Copyright
2016 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
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