Do You Truly Love Me?
When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Feed my lambs,” he told him. A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Shepherd my sheep,” he told him. He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” “Feed my sheep,” Jesus said. – John 21:15-17
Peter was Restored and Called to be a Pastor
With those words spoken beside the charcoal fire over a breakfast of fresh fish, Jesus called Peter out of his brokenness. Jesus also called Peter away from his career as a fisherman to become the first pastor of the first church. From that moment, Peter’s commitment to his friend, teacher, and Lord took him away from his boats on the sea of Galilee to a “pulpit” in Jerusalem.
Peter oversaw the first business of the committed disciples in Jerusalem before the church was launched by the Holy Spirit. Peter preached the first message of the church. He stood boldly before the Jewish leadership in Jerusalem who had imprisoned him and threatened his life. Peter dealt with the first acts of church discipline. Peter was the bold, evangelistic, determined pastor of the first church and the Lord poured out His Spirit on that ministry.
Love Changed Peter’s Life
Above all else ONE THING transformed Peter’s life. LOVE changed Peter. He had seen the love of Jesus displayed on the cross. He had also been reminded that he loved Jesus! Peter would feed and tend the sheep of God’s flock, because he loved the Great Shepherd.
A Harsh Warning from Jesus
If our lives, and especially our ministry, isn’t based on LOVE OF Jesus and LOVE FOR Jesus then our ministry will become weak, failing, and will eventually be taken from us. That may sound harsh, but hear this warning from the ascended Lord to the once wonderful church at Ephesus. Don’t forget that Ephesus had served as the base for much of Paul’s ministry in Asia (Rev. 2:1-7).
But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
Ministry, Faithfulness, and Doctrinal Purity aren’t Enough
Jesus recognized the hard-working ministry of the church. I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people.
Jesus celebrated their faithfulness. I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for the sake of my name, and you have not grown weary.
And Jesus affirmed their purity of doctrine. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars.
But wonderful ministries, faithful commitment, and purity of doctrine is not enough. Jesus desires our hearts. He loves us and values our love more than any sacrifice or service.
We are all susceptible to allowing our love and passion for Jesus to ebb away. We are busy. Life is filled with daily routines and regular challenges. It happens in our marriages. The passion of that “first-love” can easily fade over time if we don’t tend the flames of our relationships, and our spouse is physically right in front of our eyes.
Let’s All Check Our Hearts
How is your passion for the lover of your soul? Jesus who died for me and granted me enteral life deserves my very best. Of course, he deserves the work of my hands, my faithfulness, and my mind. But he wants and deserves my whole heart.
Remember, Repent, and Return
He offered the church at Ephesus and he offers us a second chance. Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
Begin by looking back. REMEMBER when your heart and soul burned with your love for Christ? Take time to reflect on those days. Then REPENT! Confess to Him that you have fallen. He promises that He will forgive. Then RETURN. This may seem impossible on your own, so ask for His help!
Jesus, my heart has grown cold. I’ve fallen into the routine of life, and I’ve lost my first love. Help me in my weakness. Restore my passion for you and your Word. Help me where I can’t help myself. Make my heart tender and pliable once again. Fill me heart with love for you as I reflect on your love for me. Thank you for still loving me, even when I fail you.