GOD’S WORD FOR DECEMBER 30

Our  book this month  is a continuation of “Chiseled by the Master’s Hand ~ Lessons From the Life of Peter,” by Erwin  Lutzer.  Dr. Lutzer is  Canadian-born and served as Senior Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years, until his retirement in 2016.   He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Moody Church.  He’s written many books and has radio and internet teaching programs.

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FROM REGRET TO RESTORATION

(Read Luke 22:31-62)

CHRIST  RESTORES US (CONT’D)

(After Jesus told Peter to fish again on the right-side and he got 153 fish, and Jesus made breakfast. This is the conversation.)

(John 21:15) ~ “’Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?’  He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.’  He said to him, ‘Tend  My  lambs’”   Christ used the Greek word “agape”, which refers to the highest form of love.  Peter responded with “phileo”, a reference to brotherly love.  Christ may have picked up on the change of words and hence replied, “Feed My lambs,”  a hint that Peter may not yet be ready for his fuller ministry.

Jesus then repeated the question, again asking if Peter had that true (“agape” ) love for Him.  Peter, not yet sure of his own heart, responded, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love  (“phileo”) You.”  Jesus replied, “Shepherd  My sheep”    Yes, Jesus had confidence that Peter could do even more than just feed the lambs.

A third time Jesus asked the same question, but this time He used the word for LOVE which Peter had used:  “Simon, son of John, do you love (“phileo”), “Tend My sheep” No matter how unsure Peter may have been of himself, Christ wanted him to know that he had been fully restored.  He was called to the high honor of shepherding the Lord’s sheep.

Three times Peter had denied Christ; three times he has given the privilege of affirming his love for Him.  The dark days of humiliation were over.  Regret was replaced by responsibility, partnership, and full acceptance.  Christ’s prayer was answered.  Peter would now restore his brothers.

Christ’s prayer did not keep Peter from falling.  His prayer did, however, result in Peter’s restoration.  Peter was brought back from the abyss and now he was able to strengthen his brothers.  The Lord’s sheep would be fed, the rock would remain steadfast.

Sometimes those who have fallen the furthest are the most effective in strengthening the feet of those who have slipped.  Peter’s knowledge of his own heart enabled him to preach effectively; and his own weaknesses made him write First and Second Peter with sensitivity and insight.  Millions have been made strong because of the lessons Peter learned in the school of failure.

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Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

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Lamentations 3:21-23

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

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Isaiah 40:31

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

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Isaiah 43:4

“Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you.”

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John 15:16

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit.”

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Jeremiah 31:3

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

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2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction.”

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