SCRIPTURE:
“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.”
John 21:15
OBSERVATION:
After denying Jesus, here we find Peter on the shore after he has gone back to fishing. Jesus is about to reinstate and recommission Peter, but first He has some questions that Peter needs to answer. Jesus doesn’t ask the glaringly obvious such as why Peter denied Him. Instead He asks him if he loves Him more than “these.” While what He refers to is unclear, I imagine He is referring to the things that He may have placed above Him.
APPLICATION:
Jesus asks Peter “Do you love me more than these?” Was he talking about the fish, fishing and those who were with him? Perhaps all of the above?
As I read that it seems as if the Lord asks me the same question – Do you love me more than these? Do you love me more than your family, your material possessions, your time? If I’m being completely honest, there was a period in my life where I would have to answer no.
This time was spent selfishly, focusing on me, myself and I. Doing more than attending the occasional church service was not in my plans. While I did what I wanted and thought it would make me happy, it really didn’t. It was unfulfilling and honestly a rather empty life.
It wasn’t until I was able to surrender the things that took my attention away from the Lord, did I begin to understand what truly living for Christ meant. The more I gave up to Him, the more I gained. That’s Kingdom living and it’s a life that God can use and fill to the overflowing.
However, it takes a surrendered heart and placing God where He belongs – Number one above all else. Is it always that way? No, I wish it were, but the more and more that we get it right and can answer Yes to Jesus’ question, the more God can do in us – Where He fulfills every area of our lives.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have put so many things above You. Thank You Lord that You continue to move in and through our lives when we make You our number one pursuit. May I make my relationship with you my biggest priority, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
