Sermon Nuggets Fri Jan 16
Theme Called to Service
Verses- John 21:23-25 Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"
This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
The Culmination of Service
Today ends our year long devotions from the Gospel of John. He has been the disciple whom Jesus loved. He was probably he youngest of the disciples. His call to service led him down a different path than Peter’s path. Each was called to follow the Lord.
Why am I on a bed of ease compared to my brothers and sisters in other parts of the world whose daily lives are threatened with persecution, torture or death because of their commitment to Jesus Christ? Why has Stanchfield Baptist Church survived 143 years of peace without authorities closing us down?
Unlike my experience in Detroit, the ministerial association here has some place in our community and although not all leaders may be active Christians most are church goers and respectful of faith matters. Long before the debate of prayers in the schools I could never identify with the controversy in the 60s because that was never part of my school life. My pastor and church told us clearly that Christians are in the minority and there will be opposition to the truth of Jesus Christ and most people around us are not saved. I always felt different because hardly any of my classmates went to church.
Those days are approaching us in this era. Whether popular or not, whether people are respectful or not, the call of the believer is to live a life devoted to Jesus Christ that is different than the world. Unfortunately most of the polls report it makes no difference between how church attendees and unbelievers live anymore.
Jesus is coming again. The disciples were debating at John’s writing which ones would die for their faith and which one’s might live until Jesus comes back. Does anyone have that question any more in the USA? John states that Jesus didn’t say he wouldn’t die a martyr’s death only that it was none of Peter’s business the path to which Jesus called John to follow.
Our service for the Lord will continue throughout eternity. But it will be a far different service. Our work on earth will be over. Either when we die or when Jesus comes again our witness will be completed and it will be worth it all. There is no purgatory when we will pay off the debt of our sins. There will be no chance to change our minds. What we have done will be the basis of rewards beyond salvation. Faithfulness to the call will be whether we have been good and faithful servants.
A faithful Sunday School teacher who loves and prayers for her children will be completing her devotion as well as Billy Graham who sought to do what the Lord wanted to do in his life. The widow who gave her two mites was praised far more than the high priest in the temple with all his religious power and influence. As one song says, “What we do for Christ will soon be past, only what we do for Christ will last.
Paul could say, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. Henceforth there is now laid up for me a crown of righteousness.”
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. He is coming again. John is doing all he can to be that witness to the world. “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name.” Jon 20:31. These are the events of Jesus while on earth. This is the way it happened as he knew the Lord intimately. But there is so much more that he could have written about Jesus. There is so much more we do not know about Him. The world could not contain all the books that could be written about him. But what is written is what is important for us to know. He wins. He is coming again. There is blessing evermore. It is worth our lives, our money, our family, our devotion and our service. What else can he say to convince us this is true?
Loving God and loving others is the call to service. John was faithful until the Lord took him home. When he could travel no more, he was exiled on the island of Patmos and wrote the experience of his revelation. He saw Jesus no longer as the baby born of Bethlehem, nor the wandering rabbi of the hills of Palestine. He was more than the miracle worker for the masses. He was no longer the beaten body put on the cross and laid in the tomb. John witnessed His resurrection and all the mystery that surrounds it. He saw him speak, eat, comfort, go through walls, and give his final instructions.
But for John those were not Jesus final words to him. He saw what none of the other disciples saw when the Lord opened his eyes to the unseen world. He saw someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. Rev 1:13-19
Jesus was the culmination of his service. I’m glad he finished his earthly assignment and wrote what Jesus told him to write.
Pastor Dale
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Clarity of Service John 21:20-22
Sermon nuggets Thurs Jan 15
Theme- Called to Service
Verses- John 21:20-22 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?")
21 When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
22 Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."
Clarity of Service
Peter had been told that he would die a martyr. Peter sees his fellow disciple, John, and asks Jesus about what will happen to him. Jesus responds with hard but true words. Basically he is saying “that is none of your business. You are to follow me with the call and plan I have for you.” He couldn’t be clearer, could He?
Don’t pay attention to what others are doing, only do what God is asking of you. Each call is independent and individual. We all are called to follow Jesus. But that path may lead in entirely different directions and circumstances. No doubt most will be tested and there is hardly a path that doesn’t have rocks, ruts, and barriers on them.
We like to judge our work and our acts based on what others are doing. I sure do. I feel the most discouraged when I see the ways others serve the Lord and I feel so inferior to their gifts, abilities, zeal, and successes. Such introspection has often tempted me to quit and get out of the way so someone more talented and effective can take my place in the service of the Lord. I too often am like Peter wanting to look at the call of others and compare and contrast them with mine.
Israel looked at the wealth and strength of others nations and they envied a king. That was not Gods will for them. Simon the sorcerer looked at the disciples and wanted that same ability to touch others who then would speak in tongues. He was rebuked for his heart was not right. Too often we can look around and see what other churches are doing and envy their programs and think that is our answer. Churches copy one another since they seem to be blessed. We want to be like them. But what difference does that make if one is obedient to the call of God? God does not want all works to be the same, all churches to do the same thing, nor each Christian to look alike.
Certainly we can learn from others. There is no sense in trying to reinvent the wheel. Looking at the call and re-evaluating the methods can be healthy but the temptation is that God is doing the work His way in and through us, it is not our doing. The clarity of service is following Jesus alone and letting Him lead.
Notice that Jesus acknowledges His sovereign control over the disciples. “If I want John to remain awhile what is that to you?” He has the power to make John remain if that is Jesus’ will. He is the designer of our plans. He is God. Our paths have been prepared for us as well as our death. Peter was to be the shepherd of Israel; Paul was to be the missionary to the Gentiles; John was to be His witness, an author and reveal his heavenly vision to pass on the churches.
A few are called to die and others may suffer physically, emotionally or socially because of their commitment to Christ. Yet some will experience financial hardship for being a Christian. If this cause us to envy others because God is giving them what seems to be a less costly ride, we need to listen carefully to Jesus word to Peter. “What is that to you? You follow me.”
Most of the disciples were led the path of martyrdom. Most others were not. Some live very quiet lives and raise families and are faithful to their jobs, churches and communities. If that is your call do it with faithfulness and bless the Lord. But be open to change if that path is placed before you.
Come and follow was the command to the rich young ruler and he went away very sorrowful for he had many riches and unless he repented of them those riches went him to hell. What is Jesus asking of you?
Pastor Dale
Theme- Called to Service
Verses- John 21:20-22 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?")
21 When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
22 Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."
Clarity of Service
Peter had been told that he would die a martyr. Peter sees his fellow disciple, John, and asks Jesus about what will happen to him. Jesus responds with hard but true words. Basically he is saying “that is none of your business. You are to follow me with the call and plan I have for you.” He couldn’t be clearer, could He?
Don’t pay attention to what others are doing, only do what God is asking of you. Each call is independent and individual. We all are called to follow Jesus. But that path may lead in entirely different directions and circumstances. No doubt most will be tested and there is hardly a path that doesn’t have rocks, ruts, and barriers on them.
We like to judge our work and our acts based on what others are doing. I sure do. I feel the most discouraged when I see the ways others serve the Lord and I feel so inferior to their gifts, abilities, zeal, and successes. Such introspection has often tempted me to quit and get out of the way so someone more talented and effective can take my place in the service of the Lord. I too often am like Peter wanting to look at the call of others and compare and contrast them with mine.
Israel looked at the wealth and strength of others nations and they envied a king. That was not Gods will for them. Simon the sorcerer looked at the disciples and wanted that same ability to touch others who then would speak in tongues. He was rebuked for his heart was not right. Too often we can look around and see what other churches are doing and envy their programs and think that is our answer. Churches copy one another since they seem to be blessed. We want to be like them. But what difference does that make if one is obedient to the call of God? God does not want all works to be the same, all churches to do the same thing, nor each Christian to look alike.
Certainly we can learn from others. There is no sense in trying to reinvent the wheel. Looking at the call and re-evaluating the methods can be healthy but the temptation is that God is doing the work His way in and through us, it is not our doing. The clarity of service is following Jesus alone and letting Him lead.
Notice that Jesus acknowledges His sovereign control over the disciples. “If I want John to remain awhile what is that to you?” He has the power to make John remain if that is Jesus’ will. He is the designer of our plans. He is God. Our paths have been prepared for us as well as our death. Peter was to be the shepherd of Israel; Paul was to be the missionary to the Gentiles; John was to be His witness, an author and reveal his heavenly vision to pass on the churches.
A few are called to die and others may suffer physically, emotionally or socially because of their commitment to Christ. Yet some will experience financial hardship for being a Christian. If this cause us to envy others because God is giving them what seems to be a less costly ride, we need to listen carefully to Jesus word to Peter. “What is that to you? You follow me.”
Most of the disciples were led the path of martyrdom. Most others were not. Some live very quiet lives and raise families and are faithful to their jobs, churches and communities. If that is your call do it with faithfulness and bless the Lord. But be open to change if that path is placed before you.
Come and follow was the command to the rich young ruler and he went away very sorrowful for he had many riches and unless he repented of them those riches went him to hell. What is Jesus asking of you?
Pastor Dale
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Commitment of Service John 21:18-19
Sermon nuggets Weds Jan 14
Theme Called to Service
Verses- John 21:18-19 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
Commitment of Service
Jesus told Peter commitment to service would require his life. What are you wiling to give up for Christ? Where is the limit or the line that will not be crossed when it comes to commitment?
In another setting Jesus taught in order to gain life one must lose it. There is no one whose love for Jesus isn’t rewarded many fold. The rewards may not happen in this life. Thomas aKempis wrote, “For he who loves God with his whole heart fears neither death or punishment, nor judgment, nor hell, because perfect love gives sure access to God.”
Peter was faithful in his commitment to service. Tradition tells us that Peter was led away in Rome and was crucified like our Lord on a cross only he requested to be crucified upside down since he was not worthy to die like Jesus.
The commitment to service is to follow where He leads us individually. Each person’s path is different. Most are not called to martyrdom. Most are called to be the light in the place we live with the jobs and responsibilities that we have. But the commitment to give our lives daily in service is no different than Peter’s commitment. It is not to follow Peter, or follow our heroes of the faith. It is to follow Jesus in character and faith and believe that He will lead us in ways that are not always of our plans or dreams. It is to watch the one who goes before us and brings victory through hard times.
It is an American perversion of the Bible to indicate that obedience will gain all the blessings of this life or never have trouble, or be healed of all infirmities. He tells us to take up your cross daily and follow Him. Some are martyred. Some are rejected by their families. Some have to decide between their spouse or Jesus Christ. Some may have to lose their job if they are consistent with their believers.
In the classic book, Imitations of Christ, Thomas A Kempis writes, “It is good for us that at times we have sorrows and adversities because they often make a man realize in heart that he is an exile, and puts not his hope in any world things. It is good that we at times endure opposition and that we are evilly and untruly judged, when our actions and intentions are good. Often such experiences promote humility and protect us from vain glory. For then we seek God’s witness in the heart when we are accounted cheap around men and evil is believed of us.”
We may ask during such times of testing if this can be God’s will. Yet we see that failure can shut a path which you were pursuing too eagerly and give us greater appetite for that which is unseen and eternal.
Dennis DeHaan tells a story in Our Daily Bread of when North Korea fell to the communists and all the Christians in one village were gathered into their church. The building was plain and simple and had a picture of Jesus on the wall. When the soldiers walked in, they took down the picture and put it on the floor. All who did not want to be shot had to come forward and spit on the picture. The first four people were set free. Next came a young girl. She bent down and wiped the spittle from the picture, then embraced it tenderly and said, “Jesus, I love you.” She was taken outside and shots were heard.
We may never have to make that kind of decision. Yet we have other choices where the issues are the same. Jesus said to his disciples if you love me, keep my commands. Following Jesus is the commitment of service even unto death if that is where His path leads. But it does not stop there.
Matt 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Pastor Dale
Theme Called to Service
Verses- John 21:18-19 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
Commitment of Service
Jesus told Peter commitment to service would require his life. What are you wiling to give up for Christ? Where is the limit or the line that will not be crossed when it comes to commitment?
In another setting Jesus taught in order to gain life one must lose it. There is no one whose love for Jesus isn’t rewarded many fold. The rewards may not happen in this life. Thomas aKempis wrote, “For he who loves God with his whole heart fears neither death or punishment, nor judgment, nor hell, because perfect love gives sure access to God.”
Peter was faithful in his commitment to service. Tradition tells us that Peter was led away in Rome and was crucified like our Lord on a cross only he requested to be crucified upside down since he was not worthy to die like Jesus.
The commitment to service is to follow where He leads us individually. Each person’s path is different. Most are not called to martyrdom. Most are called to be the light in the place we live with the jobs and responsibilities that we have. But the commitment to give our lives daily in service is no different than Peter’s commitment. It is not to follow Peter, or follow our heroes of the faith. It is to follow Jesus in character and faith and believe that He will lead us in ways that are not always of our plans or dreams. It is to watch the one who goes before us and brings victory through hard times.
It is an American perversion of the Bible to indicate that obedience will gain all the blessings of this life or never have trouble, or be healed of all infirmities. He tells us to take up your cross daily and follow Him. Some are martyred. Some are rejected by their families. Some have to decide between their spouse or Jesus Christ. Some may have to lose their job if they are consistent with their believers.
In the classic book, Imitations of Christ, Thomas A Kempis writes, “It is good for us that at times we have sorrows and adversities because they often make a man realize in heart that he is an exile, and puts not his hope in any world things. It is good that we at times endure opposition and that we are evilly and untruly judged, when our actions and intentions are good. Often such experiences promote humility and protect us from vain glory. For then we seek God’s witness in the heart when we are accounted cheap around men and evil is believed of us.”
We may ask during such times of testing if this can be God’s will. Yet we see that failure can shut a path which you were pursuing too eagerly and give us greater appetite for that which is unseen and eternal.
Dennis DeHaan tells a story in Our Daily Bread of when North Korea fell to the communists and all the Christians in one village were gathered into their church. The building was plain and simple and had a picture of Jesus on the wall. When the soldiers walked in, they took down the picture and put it on the floor. All who did not want to be shot had to come forward and spit on the picture. The first four people were set free. Next came a young girl. She bent down and wiped the spittle from the picture, then embraced it tenderly and said, “Jesus, I love you.” She was taken outside and shots were heard.
We may never have to make that kind of decision. Yet we have other choices where the issues are the same. Jesus said to his disciples if you love me, keep my commands. Following Jesus is the commitment of service even unto death if that is where His path leads. But it does not stop there.
Matt 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Pastor Dale
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Core of Service John 21:15-17
Sermon nuggets Tues Jan 13
Theme- Called to Service
Verses- John 21:15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly 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 truly 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 third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.”
The Core of Service
Yesterday we looked at the criteria to service was love. Some will note, as I have preached, that in the Greek there are four types of love- self satisfying love, family love, friendship love, and self sacrificing love. The Bible uses these last two words. Why is it that Jesus used the stronger term the first two times, Agapao, and Peter’s love response was Phileo? The third time Jesus asks the question using Phileo. It is possible Jesus is asking for the self sacrificing love since the context then explains later Peter will die for his faith. It may have been to point on the need for self sacrificing type of love, the deepest type for our love to the Lord. But in many places in the book of John both terms are used for Jesus love for man and His love for his Father in heaven. Was this ways to use the same idea with two different words? Are they used interchangeably or not? Many think so.
In each way Peter answers yes to Jesus questioning. And asks why he is asking the same commitment three times.
In addition to the criteria of love He gives him the cause and core for his service- feed my sheep. In Luke 10:27 Jesus summed up the laws of Moses with "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" If you love Christ love must be demonstrated toward others. We are to think of the needs of others. Jesus brought value to the place of women and children, but also the poor, the sinner, the rejected, the disadvantaged. All are capable of receiving saving grace.
The sheep and the lambs belong to Jesus, not to Peter. Many pastors forget that as the under-shepherds. We have a pastoral responsibility to take care of God’s sheep by giving them food. I have shared my testimony how God used this passage of Scripture to call me into full time ministry and the core of my call to service. If love is the mission, the strategy is feeding on the Word of God. It is telling people the truth.
There are many demands on the life of the pastor. I enjoy visiting, and seeing people grow in the Lord. I enjoy evangelism, and the fellowship of the believers. We are able to help those in need and be with the sick and dying. But that is the call to all believers as we carry out the gifts together. We are ministers one to another.
But the primary call on my life, the core of the call is to feed sheep by preaching and teaching the word of God. I can’t be everything to everyone just like the apostles needed others to carry on the care of the body of Christ. Deacons were established. That is God’s plan. Women were involved in compassion and ministering as well. Truth is shared from one to another in an effect way by the power of the Holy Spirit.
My objection to accepting my first pastorate was I was young and many of the believers were Christians before I was born. What could I teach them they didn’t already know? How could I minister in my immaturity to mature believers for the most part? I could see working with youth, baby Christians and the unsaved, but how could I be a pastor to those who experienced a walk with Jesus for decades and knew the Bible?
My answer came from these words, ”Feed my lambs” “Tend my sheep” “Feed my sheep”. The message the Lord spoke was, it doesn’t make any difference how old sheep are they still need food. It doesn’t matter why type of delicious food they received, they still need food. The core of my call was simply serve the Lord by taking the word of God and telling people what it says and God will do the rest. Would I be willing to do that? My answer was “Lord use me.” Sometimes that word is instruction. Sometimes it is correction or rebuke. Sometimes it is training in righteousness. But it is what gives us growth and maturity. Keep feeding on the truth of God.
Pastor Dale.
Theme- Called to Service
Verses- John 21:15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly 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 truly 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 third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.”
The Core of Service
Yesterday we looked at the criteria to service was love. Some will note, as I have preached, that in the Greek there are four types of love- self satisfying love, family love, friendship love, and self sacrificing love. The Bible uses these last two words. Why is it that Jesus used the stronger term the first two times, Agapao, and Peter’s love response was Phileo? The third time Jesus asks the question using Phileo. It is possible Jesus is asking for the self sacrificing love since the context then explains later Peter will die for his faith. It may have been to point on the need for self sacrificing type of love, the deepest type for our love to the Lord. But in many places in the book of John both terms are used for Jesus love for man and His love for his Father in heaven. Was this ways to use the same idea with two different words? Are they used interchangeably or not? Many think so.
In each way Peter answers yes to Jesus questioning. And asks why he is asking the same commitment three times.
In addition to the criteria of love He gives him the cause and core for his service- feed my sheep. In Luke 10:27 Jesus summed up the laws of Moses with "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" If you love Christ love must be demonstrated toward others. We are to think of the needs of others. Jesus brought value to the place of women and children, but also the poor, the sinner, the rejected, the disadvantaged. All are capable of receiving saving grace.
The sheep and the lambs belong to Jesus, not to Peter. Many pastors forget that as the under-shepherds. We have a pastoral responsibility to take care of God’s sheep by giving them food. I have shared my testimony how God used this passage of Scripture to call me into full time ministry and the core of my call to service. If love is the mission, the strategy is feeding on the Word of God. It is telling people the truth.
There are many demands on the life of the pastor. I enjoy visiting, and seeing people grow in the Lord. I enjoy evangelism, and the fellowship of the believers. We are able to help those in need and be with the sick and dying. But that is the call to all believers as we carry out the gifts together. We are ministers one to another.
But the primary call on my life, the core of the call is to feed sheep by preaching and teaching the word of God. I can’t be everything to everyone just like the apostles needed others to carry on the care of the body of Christ. Deacons were established. That is God’s plan. Women were involved in compassion and ministering as well. Truth is shared from one to another in an effect way by the power of the Holy Spirit.
My objection to accepting my first pastorate was I was young and many of the believers were Christians before I was born. What could I teach them they didn’t already know? How could I minister in my immaturity to mature believers for the most part? I could see working with youth, baby Christians and the unsaved, but how could I be a pastor to those who experienced a walk with Jesus for decades and knew the Bible?
My answer came from these words, ”Feed my lambs” “Tend my sheep” “Feed my sheep”. The message the Lord spoke was, it doesn’t make any difference how old sheep are they still need food. It doesn’t matter why type of delicious food they received, they still need food. The core of my call was simply serve the Lord by taking the word of God and telling people what it says and God will do the rest. Would I be willing to do that? My answer was “Lord use me.” Sometimes that word is instruction. Sometimes it is correction or rebuke. Sometimes it is training in righteousness. But it is what gives us growth and maturity. Keep feeding on the truth of God.
Pastor Dale.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Criteria for Service John 21:14-17
Sermon nuggets Mon Jan 12
Theme- Called to Service
Verses- John 21:14-17 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly 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 truly 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 third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.”
The Criteria for Service
This week we will conclude our devotionals from the book of John begun in 2008. John’s purpose in writing was that people might believe that Jesus is the Christ and believing, they might have life in His name. Jesus’ story is to be told from generation to generation. By the prompting of the Holy Spirit, people are called to follow Him in each country, tongue, nation and people group.
The story is a story of love. John recorded the words that are most often quoted about the love of God that gave His Son that whoever believes might have eternal life. He did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Jesus concluded His earthly mission of love. It was His love that took us in our shame of sin and resurrected us to become royalty, the bride of Christ. Until Jesus returns for us we have been given a mission. Peter’s mission was perhaps a bit different but as the team of servants Christ is working to redeem the world and calls us to be part of that team.
The criteria for service is love. We continue to grow in love when we follow Him.
Jesus realized Peter was a different person after his denial. He was more humble. But some things still needed to be completed in his life. He needed the reaffirmation of Jesus’ love and realize his past is forgiven and dealt with. He didn’t have to continue in defeat of failure any more. Isn’t it tremendous to know the Lord calls us all regardless of our past and our background to love him? That is the criteria required for service for our Lord. He asked Peter, Simon, Son of John, do you truly love me more than these?
Commentaries like to make something of the “more than these” phrase. They disagree. Some think it refers to Peter’s career, meaning “do you love me more than all these fish. Do you love me more than the nets, the boat, the sea, and the occupation of fishing?” They refer to the earlier call on Peter to move from being a fisherman to fish for men. So why did Peter return to his old occupation?
Others think the phrase is asking if Peter loves him more than he loves the other disciples. “Do I have first place in your heart for devotion more than friends, family, and other loved ones? “
I agree with those who think since Jesus posed the question three times it is related to the three times Peter denied the Lord. Before the group left that upper room to go to the garden of Gethsemane, Peter said his commitment was greater than the others for even if they all denied the Lord, Peter claimed he never would do so. He would die first. The question of love even more than all these others points to his inability to follow through on his commitments. He was weak. So are we all. That commitment was based on the personal desire and personal strength but in temptation for his life, he fell.
Peter answered “Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you.” He is no longer making comparisons with the others but recognizing Jesus sovereignty for Himself. When He experienced the Lord and recognized His forgiveness and power Peter’s desire was a humble life in service out of love.
Martin Luther said, “A man whose soul is filled to overflowing with gratitude does more of his own free will than what is demanded from him.” The power of love becomes the motivation for serving Jesus Christ. That is the truth Paul shares in 1 Cor 13. If we have the power to do miracles, faith to remove mountains and even commit our bodies to be burned but have not love we have nothing. We gain nothing. The motivation that counts for God is love. It is what makes Christianity different from all the other religions. What is it that wins souls to Jesus Christ? It is not methods. It is not talents, it is not intellect, nor programs, nor eloquence, nor persuasive techniques. It is the power of God as we have become witnesses of His love and demonstrate His love in our lives to a world that has a faulty understanding of what real love is about.
Do you desire to serve Jesus? Then He asks for your love, not perfection, not sinlessness, not academic degree, only love. “If you love me, keep my commands.” If we keep his commands out of obligation, it would be a drudgery and unpleasant task. If He has our heart, it is a delight for it isn’t what we do for Him, but what He chooses to do through us. We are blessed to be His servant for eternal purposes in whatever gifts and opportunities the Holy Spirit gives.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Called to Service
Verses- John 21:14-17 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly 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 truly 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 third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.”
The Criteria for Service
This week we will conclude our devotionals from the book of John begun in 2008. John’s purpose in writing was that people might believe that Jesus is the Christ and believing, they might have life in His name. Jesus’ story is to be told from generation to generation. By the prompting of the Holy Spirit, people are called to follow Him in each country, tongue, nation and people group.
The story is a story of love. John recorded the words that are most often quoted about the love of God that gave His Son that whoever believes might have eternal life. He did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Jesus concluded His earthly mission of love. It was His love that took us in our shame of sin and resurrected us to become royalty, the bride of Christ. Until Jesus returns for us we have been given a mission. Peter’s mission was perhaps a bit different but as the team of servants Christ is working to redeem the world and calls us to be part of that team.
The criteria for service is love. We continue to grow in love when we follow Him.
Jesus realized Peter was a different person after his denial. He was more humble. But some things still needed to be completed in his life. He needed the reaffirmation of Jesus’ love and realize his past is forgiven and dealt with. He didn’t have to continue in defeat of failure any more. Isn’t it tremendous to know the Lord calls us all regardless of our past and our background to love him? That is the criteria required for service for our Lord. He asked Peter, Simon, Son of John, do you truly love me more than these?
Commentaries like to make something of the “more than these” phrase. They disagree. Some think it refers to Peter’s career, meaning “do you love me more than all these fish. Do you love me more than the nets, the boat, the sea, and the occupation of fishing?” They refer to the earlier call on Peter to move from being a fisherman to fish for men. So why did Peter return to his old occupation?
Others think the phrase is asking if Peter loves him more than he loves the other disciples. “Do I have first place in your heart for devotion more than friends, family, and other loved ones? “
I agree with those who think since Jesus posed the question three times it is related to the three times Peter denied the Lord. Before the group left that upper room to go to the garden of Gethsemane, Peter said his commitment was greater than the others for even if they all denied the Lord, Peter claimed he never would do so. He would die first. The question of love even more than all these others points to his inability to follow through on his commitments. He was weak. So are we all. That commitment was based on the personal desire and personal strength but in temptation for his life, he fell.
Peter answered “Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you.” He is no longer making comparisons with the others but recognizing Jesus sovereignty for Himself. When He experienced the Lord and recognized His forgiveness and power Peter’s desire was a humble life in service out of love.
Martin Luther said, “A man whose soul is filled to overflowing with gratitude does more of his own free will than what is demanded from him.” The power of love becomes the motivation for serving Jesus Christ. That is the truth Paul shares in 1 Cor 13. If we have the power to do miracles, faith to remove mountains and even commit our bodies to be burned but have not love we have nothing. We gain nothing. The motivation that counts for God is love. It is what makes Christianity different from all the other religions. What is it that wins souls to Jesus Christ? It is not methods. It is not talents, it is not intellect, nor programs, nor eloquence, nor persuasive techniques. It is the power of God as we have become witnesses of His love and demonstrate His love in our lives to a world that has a faulty understanding of what real love is about.
Do you desire to serve Jesus? Then He asks for your love, not perfection, not sinlessness, not academic degree, only love. “If you love me, keep my commands.” If we keep his commands out of obligation, it would be a drudgery and unpleasant task. If He has our heart, it is a delight for it isn’t what we do for Him, but what He chooses to do through us. We are blessed to be His servant for eternal purposes in whatever gifts and opportunities the Holy Spirit gives.
Pastor Dale
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)