Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
August 4, 2023
John 21:15-17
15 When they finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Jesus asked a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 He asked a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was sad that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” He replied, “Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
Good Morning, Let us arise as forgiven children of God!
The events of this passage occur after the resurrection of Jesus. It is the third appearance of Jesus to his disciples. The first two were when Jesus appeared in the Upper Room, where the disciples often gathered to comfort one another, locked away where they felt safe. This one occurs on the Sea of Galilee. Peter, a fisherman by trade, decides to go fish. They catch no fish and when they are on their way back to shore, a man, Jesus (but unknown to them), calls out to them and suggests that they drop the net on the other side of the boat. Of course, they have a remarkable catch.
When they come to shore, their eyes and minds are opened to see Jesus. During the meal that follows, Jesus redeems Peter. Remember, Peter had denied Jesus three times following his crucifixion. I’m sure that his denial had played over and over in Peter’s mind. “How could I have done such a thing?” “I am no longer worthy to be called one of Jesus’ followers.”
Through the process of asking Peter three times to affirm his love for Jesus, Peter is redeemed. Jesus does not do this to shame Peter in front of the group but to help Peter and the other disciples believe that he is forgiven. It is easy to become consumed by our regrets and misdeeds. In this process, we build up these ideas that we can’t possibly be forgiven, but Jesus died for our sins so that all who come to him and ask forgiveness will have their sins erased and be blessed.
This is harder than it sounds because we have a hard time forgiving ourselves. Jesus is waiting with outstretched arms to forgive us and to love us. All we have to do is follow him and feed his sheep. i.e., We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Listen! Jesus is calling to you. . . do you love me? Run to him and be free of your earthly burdens!
Loving God, We thank you! We are afraid that you will leave us when we sin, but you are waiting for us to ask for forgiveness. Thank you! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God can use any circumstance to teach me.
Feed God’s children! Pastor Liz
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