This is the question I want us to ponder; think; chew; swallow; regurgitate;
but not forget over the summer season.
This was the redeeming question our Lord Jesus Christ put to Peter John
21: 15b after his resurrection. Peter had previously professed his undying
love for our Lord and was willing to ‘lay down his life for Him’,
but was told he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed John 13:36-38.
Peter did deny Him three times John 18: 15-27, and wept when the cock crowed.
He must have been filled with guilt and remorse, and this would have been
compounded with the crucifixion of our Lord. When push came to shove, Peter
realised that he loved himself more than our Lord.
He realised that all that he held dear was of this world and they meant
more to him than the creator and Saviour of the world. Peter suddenly realised
that living in the world was more precious than living in Christ. It is
very easy to see Peter for what he was, an empty barrel, with no substance
in it.
The question is are you any different to Peter, are you guilty of some,
all or even more of the omissions we have listed above? I want you all to
take a critical look at yourselves, and ask the question “Do I love
the Lord Jesus more than these”. Whatever you cannot let go for our
Lord, is an obstacle or hindrance in you life. Now is the time to seek forgiveness
and restitution from the Lord like Peter.
If you have already gone through the above scene in your life and your love
for the Lord is built on nothing less than our Saviour Himself, be always
aware that this is due to nothing less than the saving grace of the cross
of Christ. Do not be tempted to think it was by your strength or ability.
How do I know if I love the Lord Jesus more than these? A good starting
point is do you publicly proclaim that you are a Christian? Do you live
by the rule of our Lord? Do you give of your time, money, skill and all
that is within your power to the work and mission of the Church? Do you
reflect what it is to be a child of God by your action and deeds?
The list is endless, but it all boils down to do you love the Lord Jesus
Christ more than these?
Words without action are meaningless. Our Lord’s instruction to Peter
to feed and tend His sheep marked and defined Peter’s life and ministry.
The remainder of Peter’s life in the epistles showed that he did love
the Lord.
The question before you now is, do your acts and deeds show and speak of
your love for our Lord Jesus Christ? Now is the time to make a choice, now
is the time for your Damascus experience Acts 9: 1-19. I pray that over
the summer season and beyond, your life and deeds will show that you do
indeed love the Lord Jesus more than these.
In Dominie
Canon Ade.
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