Sunday, August 2, 2015

In or Out

John 21:15
 
15So 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."
 
 
Jesus did not give Simon Peter the statement, "If you love me." He said, "do you?" Merriam-Webster's dictionary says the word "if" is a function word used to introduce an exclamation expressing a wish or "in the event that." However, "Do" as we know is an action. Jesus had already risen and would soon ascend to the right hand of the Father. Before doing so, He restored Peter. When Jesus was taken Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times just as Jesus said he would. Peter wept bitterly as the Word says and obviously had guilt. Jesus is a restorer regardless of the wrong. But the choice still remains with the one who committed the offense to be in or out. In or out of what?  The choice to be in or out of fellowship with Jesus. Jesus knew Peter loved Him. In verse 17 Peter tells Jesus, "Lord you know all things." And He does. So Jesus asking the questions of Peter was to show Peter though he made a mistake, it did not mean that his purpose and assignments were absolved.  To the contrary. What He wanted to show Peter was there is a choice to be in or out and to continue to do His will in spite of mistakes. The "do" was action and Jesus gave the three action items of "Feed my lambs, Tend to my sheep, Feed my sheep." For each time Peter denied, there was a counter statement given by Jesus to restore and be in fellowship. Peter denied Jesus. Was it bad? Of course. But the Lord restored Moses who took a man's life and David who took another man's wife. Surely, Jesus, the son of God, would forgive Peter's denial. All violated commandments but God still loves. The word says we all fall short of the glory of God. You have a choice to be in or out of fellowship. Jesus will take you back. The choice is yours.
 
P.S. Join me on Saturday, August 15th at the African American Author's Expo. Go to www.getyourjoyinthemorning.com for location details.  I will be signing  both my books, hugging necks and revealing some exciting news of what is next for Get Your JOY In The Morning! LLC. I will be giving away a free children's coloring book that helps parents talk to children on how to be safe with the purchase of my book "Shh Don't Tell." I look forward to seeing you!