Sermon nuggets Fri Sept 5
Theme Love Talk
Verses- John 13:37-38 Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."
38 Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!
Zealous Love
Emotions can be a great part of love of relationship, but there must be more than that. I liked the zeal of Peter. He is committing his life to Jesus and promising him dedication that will go to the grave. Jesus warns Peter of his coming denial. Jesus humbles Peter and us and lets us know that we do not have the strength even if we have the desire of remaining faithful if it were left to us. Only by receiving His love and strength can anyone of us remain faithful.
The problem isn't failure. It is how we handle failure. Peter was overconfident mistaking zeal for ability. A committed love is more than zeal, it is also humble. The promises people make in emotional moment are not always realistic. Commitment is progress toward the goal and real commitment is shown more in Peter’s getting up again, than never to have failed or fallen. The things that Peter said he would never do he did.
We will read in the 18th Chapter how Peter was with sword drawn and swinging when people came to take Jesus away. He tried.
When a young girl at the door recognized him as a disciple of Jesus Peter denied ever knowing Him. The same experience happened with a couple of the soldiers warmed themselves by a fire. He swore he never knew Him.
Jesus knows that Satan is around always seeking to cause us to fall in different ways. If Peter can do it, I can do it, and so can you. Are we more zealous that Peter?
In the book, “Discipleship for Ordinary People”, Stuart Biscoe wrote of a young colleague who was officiating at a funeral of a war veteran. The military friends wished to have a part in the service. They requested the pastor to lead them down to the casket, stand with them for a solemn moment of remembrance, and then lead them out through the side door. This he proceeded to do, but unfortunately the effect was somewhat marred when he picked the wrong door. The result was that they marched with military precision into a broom closet, in full view of the mourners, and had to beat a hasty retreat covered with confusion.
Briscoe writes. "This true story illustrates a cardinal rule or two. First, if you're going to lead, make sure you know where you're going. Secondly, if you're going to follow, make sure that you are following someone who knows what he is doing."
Of course, we follow the Lord who knows were He is going and we do not seek to have people follow us in our zeal, but point them to the Christ who is the only one worth following.
Perhaps the love that has been tried and forgiven is a stronger love than zeal without awareness. Peter is no longer as arrogant. He can more easily forgive others too because he is one who has been forgiven.
Our Christian life does not depend on our intentions, but praise God, it depends on His love and by His grace.
Pastor Dale
