TODAY'S RHEMA John 21:15 "So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?"He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs.""
How do you feel when someone whom you love asks you "Do you love me?" If they ask you for once, you may answer it with a 'yes' easily. But, what if the same question is asked you three times? You might answer the same, but with an awkward feeling. In your mind you may wonder why they do it; don't they believe I love them? This kind of question is often used to measure how true someone's love is and how deep the relationship is. One of Jesus' disciples, Peter, was asked the same way. He answered the first and the second time normally. Butthe third time, his answer revealed his mind; He thought that Jesus doubted his love because he previouslydenied Him.
Why did Jesus ask him three times? It is because He wanted to know how deep his love was for Him. He wanted to know how much Peter knew about Him and the commitment to keep following Him. All the while, Peter was following Jesus because of the miracles that He did, not because of having aclose relationship with Him. Peter didn't know why he was called as His disciple and he had not known Jesus personally. That is the reason why he could deny Jesus, three times. However, when Peter showed his love for God wholeheartedly, he was restored. He became so radical for Jesus. Through his life, thousands of people were saved. He died as a martyr.
How about us? What is our motive for following and serving Jesus? Is it to experience miracles, get compliments, be blessed? Or just because we love God with all our heart? If we desire that what we do for God is pleasing to His heart and if we be willing to be used of God more, then we must develop a relationship with God based on love.
REFLECTION Saudara Terkasih, BEFORE SERVING GOD, you must have A CLOSE AND LOVE FILLED RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
APPLICATIONS 1. Do you really love God? How is your relationship with Him recently? 2. Why is serving God built on a love-filled relationship with God? 3. What is your commitment to remain in God's love and to do your ministry wholeheartedly?
TODAY'S PRAYER "My good Father,please forgive me if I do not remain in Your love for me. From today, I make a commitment to remain in Your love for me and be more earnest in serving You. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen."
YEARLY BIBLE READING 2 Kings 5-8
Anda diberkati melalui renungan ini? Mari bagikan renungan hari ini via:
Jalan Sutan syahrir #88 Widuran Solo, 57129, Surakarta, Indonesia
