ESOCS Devotional 28 November 2022
TEXT: JOHN 21:15-22
MEMORY VERSE: “So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?’” John 21:15
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
Simon Peter had denied the Lord Jesus three times. Therefore, there was the need for him to reaffirm his loyalty, commitment, and dedication to the Lord. He needed to clean up the mess he made when he denied the Lord three times. The leadership of the apostles and disciples was to be put into his hands. Therefore, he needed to reaffirm his faith and belief in the Lord whom he had confessed to be “… the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16). Each time our Lord asked that penetrating question, Peter would say, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” But our Lord would want evidence of the love he said he had; and Peter was to prove that on three accounts of practical action: “Feed My lambs”, “Tend My sheep”, and “Feed My sheep.” (Vv. 15-17).
The Scripture says that many people “… profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work” (Titus 1:16). If we say we love Jesus, He wants to see the evidence of the love we say we have for Him. He said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The implication is that the only evidence we would have to show the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit that we love them is that we live a life of practical Christianity. When we do not compromise godly principles and remain steadfast and faithful in living our lives in holiness and righteousness, it would show that we truly love, honour, revere, and obey God.
There are practical steps we should take; and they are spiritual exercises too. If we run away from sin like Joseph (Gen. 39:12), we would run into the open arms of our Lord Jesus who is ever ready to embrace us, and also keep us safe for Himself. The Scripture gives us a wise counsel: “But you, O man of God, flee these things [all sins] and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1Tim. 6:11). If we close our ears against the voice of the stranger, we will be able to open them to the voice of the Lord Jesus (John 10:5) and the voice of the Holy Trinity (John 14:26). When we focus our attention on the Lord Jesus, we would not be distracted by the things of the world or the cares of life (Hebrews 12:2). 1Corinthians 7:35 counsels us to “… serve the Lord without distraction.” If we consciously develop an excellent spirit in us (Dan. 5:12), it would make us do all things to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).
If we do all these and many more, we would continually do only the things that please God; and such things are the proof that we love Him.
CHALLENGES
- What proof do you have that you love Jesus?
- What kind of spirit rules your heart?
PRAYERS
- Pray to God for the grace to live the life of Christ.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
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ESOCS Devotional 28 November 2022
