“….Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?….” – John 21:16
Sometime ago, after preaching from 1 Pet. 4:8 about love being the greatest characteristic, command, credential, and challenge, I left the service feeling like “What’s the use?”. That’s a feeling all pastors are familiar with. It was one of those days that every pastor has once in a while–and they are never fun.The entire message was about “The Greatest Thing”, but I couldn’t help but wonder if it was on anyone’s top ten list– if they truly attached any great importance to it. Surely it would be a reason to fear God if we didn’t. To treat lightly something God values so highly certainly is no minor matter–but it happens. Although just about everyone recognizes their responsibility to love, few acknowledge their failure to do so. Even when it is obvious that love is lacking they keep pretending, and singing “It is well with my soul”. Really?
If it suddenly came to their attention that their bank funds were depleted, or their health was diminished, or their spouse spoke of divorce, they would hit the panic button and give their full attention to the problem. But present evidence that there is a lack of love and they just yawn. It doesn’t so much as raise an eye-brow– let alone drive them to their knees in repentance. It’s almost as though they resent having someone even question their love. As you read this interaction of Christ with Peter you can almost sense the tension.There was no doubt great emotion on both sides. Peter had publicly denied the Lord, so there was need for a public confession.
We know Peter’s story, but what about you? What is your story? Has your actions, or lack thereof, raised a question about your affection for the Lord. How would you answer the Lord? Can we honestly say there is evidence of our love for Christ? Although we all fail at times we are never at liberty to ignore the matter. Our failure should drive us to our knees in prayer as we repent. Dear friend, this is a question we all must answer – “lovest thou me?” – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
