Words cannot come close to express my true love for Christ. Is has cost me everything at one time or another. Relationship with my wife, my children, aquaintances, business, health and 'yes' even finances. In 1992 I surrendered my life to Christ and Him to "Make me the 'Real Deal." Looking back I wish I could have made the same committment to to my wonderful wife (who stood by me even when I wasn't the husband or father she or my children needed) and children to love them the way I committed to Christ that day. By His grace and through Him they finally ended up with a husband and dad that lives out the same committment to them that I live with Christ. This love is everlasting.
When asked to share or preach at other churches, the scripture I share the most is 'John 21.' Jesus showed me a totaly 'New' way to really look at this scripture thatn I had ver heard before in church. After my new committment to Him I read this chapter and simply broke down. I cried and cried, and looked up and acknowledged to Him that I did not love Him. Then I committed once again to love Him with all of my heart for real.
'No One' (and yes, this could be you) can tell me today that they love Jesus and miss what He told Peter in John 21. Peter understood this time that his going back to his old ways woudl not work if he truly loved Jesus.
John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?"
"Yes Lord," he said, "You know that I love You."
Jesus said, "Feed My lambs."
Again Jesus said "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of My sheep."
The third time He said to him, Simon son of John, do you love Me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the thrid time, "Do you love Me?" He said "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You."
Jesus said "Feed my sheep."
Why did this hit me so hard? Why did it hit Peterso hard? Right after this Jesus tells him "Follow me!" Jesus told Peter this because He knew that without carrying out these simple proofs of His love for Christ and others, then Peter would never come to know and love Christ and others the way Christ loves us. In all of the years I heard this passage preached all I had heard is Pastors focusing on the meaning of the word 'Love' in greek and Hebrew. There was no challenge to change my life as Jesus was telling Peter to. You see, 'No One' can truly love Jesus without fulfilling His commands in this passage. Jesus told Peter, told me and is now telling you , that IF we truly love Him we will "Feed His lambs, Take care of His sheep, and feed His sheep." Where does this live us today? We need to get out of our denial, admit we love other things more than Him, and start doing what He says~
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