The Insurance Policy

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 25:13B-21 ~~~ Psalm 103 ~~~ 

 ~~~ John 21:15-19 ~~~

Jesus questions Peter about love.
Jesus did not get angry with Peter for denying him three times.
Instead, Jesus puts even more faith and confidence in Peter.

Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?

Jesus has great plans for Peter to be head of his church,
but he needs to first verify Peter's love.
Jesus knew that Peter loved him.
Peter needed to profess his love for Jesus out loud.
Jesus wanted to make sure that there was nothing holding back Peter...
no obstacles that could potentially hamper this love.

Jesus does not take Peter's love for granted.
Sometimes we do not verbalize what is felt within our heart.
It can be very powerful to hear our own voice
speaking our love for another.

My husband and I have this little ritual just
 before we hang up the phone.
We always say 'I love you'.

It is something we have both been accustomed to saying and hearing.
It is a reminder of our marriage commitment to each other.

When you profess your love for another person
it changes how you view them...
It changes how you interact with them.

Jesus had great plans for Peter.
These plans relied heavily on Peter's love for Jesus.
Jesus was not trying to manipulate Peter;
he just wanted an honest answer.

Following Peter's affirmative response, the 'if-then'
statements become the essence of their conversation.

Jesus needed to make sure that Peter loved him
 enough to be willing to 'feed' the lambs and the sheep.

Jesus was leaving, someone had to take the responsibility
 of insuring the message would continue.

Peter was Jesus' insurance policy.
The premiums paid were in the form of forever love.

Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.

We have inherited this insurance policy...
if we can also answer the question.
Jesus says to us...Do you love me?
When we answer 'yes'
we are agreeing to be a part of the insurance policy.

Are you ready to feed God's people?
If you love Jesus then that is what you are called to do.

Do not be afraid because
the Holy Spirit is coming to strengthen your love.
Feeding the people of God is a banquet of love.

Blessings come in saying 'yes'
Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.
Yes, Lord, I will feed your sheep.

~~~ Peace~~~