StylisM

John 21:15-23

Once more he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep” (John 21:17, NLT).

“Do you love me?”

After the third time, it probably sounded like a nagging question. However, Jesus wasn’t asking merely to pump up His own ego; He was digging to find Simon Peter’s deepest convictions.

Love is a word we throw around very lightly these days. But it’s way more than hearts, chocolate and romantic movies. Real love involves commitment, sacrifice and loyalty. And Jesus wanted to know if Simon Peter was all talk or if he was ready to live out the love he’d professed.

Jesus deserved first place in Simon’s life and in his heart, so He continued to drive His point home by asking if Simon really loved Him. Simon, now Peter, wouldn’t be prepared to teach and care for other Christ followers (the sheep) if Jesus wasn’t his first and primary love.

So what about you? Do you love Jesus? Is it just in your head, or does it show in your life? Is He number one or does He get squeezed into the occasional short prayer?

Maybe Jesus is trying to get your attention because He desires your love, your loyalty, your commitment. Let love grow between you and Him. It’s the most amazing love there is.

As I continue my journey down this path the sun shines on my face. The weather is a perfect blend of light, wind and warmth that restores my faith. I look over the horizon and see my life among the trees as free as bird it flows. Give me more strength to proceed. My obstacles ahead seem so small for what I have already faced. However I will not underestimate the power of the smallest demon I must face. I stroll along thinking of the life I so desire to lead. I remember the mission the province in which I much succeed. My hard times are far from over yet my life’s work is nowhere nearly done. I will endure more pain more suffering but this time I will not be alone. My mind, heart, body and soul will carry each other whenever one falls. No matter what the outcome of the battles a part of me will still stand tall. The deceit of my peers once brought me to tears but the same tears have now made things clear. I see the ones in beside me who stand in front to shield me from the fire and rain. It is their love their desires that shines so bright when the light in my life no longer remains.

“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19, ESV)  

Ever heard the phrase “guilt by association?”

It means that even if you’re not doing something wrong or offensive or illegal, but you’re with someone who is, you could be considered “guilty” as well. 

Well, Jesus was not one to do anything wrong, but He did offend people…often. He spoke truth to people who didn’t want to hear it. He bucked religious traditions. He didn’t settle for the status quo; He challenged people to live according to a higher standard. 

And today, over 2,000 years after His death, Jesus’ words continue to make some people angry. He’s someone people argue over, grapple with, and question…a person some love and others hate. 

So, if you identify with Jesus and you’re one who loves Him, guess what? You’re “guilty by association.” In other words, being a Christian automatically makes you a target for those who hate, disagree with or don’t understand Jesus.

If people make fun of you for your faith, don’t be surprised. What you believe and what “the world” (people who don’t know Jesus) believes are different. If people give you a hard time for being a “Jesus freak” or reading your Bible or not doing some of the stuff your friends do, don’t freak out. Jesus said this would happen. 

Look at the verse above. Jesus basically said, “Don’t be surprised at how ‘the world’ treats you. People who don’t know Me will treat you like they treat Me–badly.”

So, when you feel persecuted, take heart. It means you have something in common with Jesus.

Fire once consumed me engulfed me in pain. The torment pushed me out in the cold, as I dropped to my knees and prayed for rain. The torrential storm concealed my tears. As the sun began to rise I stood up and faced my fears. I looked around and although I still was alone I looked up to the heavens and asked “give me the wisdom to be strong.” The clouds faded away but I still had pain. However, I had the power to start my journey again. Like a hurricane my mind was like the wind no direction no purpose but my eyes could see again. I then realized that life gives us what we need. Sometimes it’s our hearts that carry all the greed. As I walked down the path that I once peregrinated. I didn’t reflect back on the lifestyles I once segregated. Instead I looked ahead and envision the end of the road. This time it was clear there was truly no end to the future that remains untold. Down this path I know obstacles will lie, from burned trees of anguish to puddles of desire. I will stay on the path and no matter what and look to the skies for salvation, direction, and for the answers to my life. After the rain I still remained wet and heavy as the burdens still stay. But now I see my purpose and now I am safe. Fire will no longer consume me and separate me from my dreams. I will be more than I am by any means.

Through the fire I took the steps and endured the heat, that nearly knocked me off my feet. Although my eyes were focused on the prize, I soon realized that what I was seeing was a lie. I then begin to feel the burn now my heart yearns and my mind is forever scorn.