Profess Your Love Now

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 25:13b-21 ~~~ Psalm103 ~~~ John 21:15-19 ~~~

 

“Do you love me?”

 

Peter's reaction makes you think the question was almost frivolous.

Peter is saying Jesus, you already know the answer, so why are you asking the question?

Sometimes we ask a question when we know the answer

just so we can get the other person to say the words. 

In Peter's case, this was after he had denied knowing Jesus three times.

If you love someone why would you deny knowing them?

 

First Peter surrenders to Jesus as all knowing;

then he gives his affirmative answer.

Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.

 

As a parent or a spouse we still like to hear the words...

'I love you'.

When an angry child screams, "I hate you"

 that can really hurt your heart for a minute.

 

But then you realize the child was just angry

 and really does not mean what they said.

 

So I truly believe that Jesus knew Peter loved him

in spite of the previous statements of denial.

 

 Jesus knew that Peter spoke out of fear and not out of love.

 

Jesus invites us to 'follow him' in the good times and in the bad times.

When the chips are down.

When the easy way out is looking more attractive.

When everyone else is taking an easier path.

 

Jesus says, "Follow me".

He will be the light for the path.

He will lead the way; as a shepherd leads his flock.

 

 

Paul follows Jesus and finds himself being wrongfully accused;

facing the official leaders.

 

'...lead you where you do not want to go.'

 

Paul like Jesus was led where they did not want to go...

ultimately to their own death.

 

We too are susceptible to being led where we do not want to go...

more often then not due to our own selfishness...

or in response to peer pressure.

Yes, even adults can make poor decisions when in the company of others.

Paul and Jesus were physically being led.

Paul and Jesus submitted to their accusers.

We, however, are in control of our own actions...

we do not have to allow other to lead us astray.

 

 The old saying

'the devil made me do it'

is really nothing more than an excuse.

 

Following Jesus because he loves us gives us reason

to make good decisions.

Our actions reflect the attitude of our heart.

The Easter Blessings close with the greatest gift we have from Jesus;

and that is love.

 

“Do you love me?

When was the last time you told Jesus that you loved him?

Tell him right now, please!