So my devotion really got me thinking this morning. After all the apostles had forsaken Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:50), one would think He would have shunned them after His resurrection. What did He do instead?
1. To Mary at the tomb: "go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” (John 20:17)
2. He finds the apostles, stand among them, and says “Peace be with you.” As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! 21 Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” (John 20:19-21)
3. To Peter, he says 3 times: "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
He was telling them "I have not given up on you! I told you what was coming. I never let you go. My command was a promise: "When you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."" (Luke 22:32)
Jesus was eager to repair the damage that had been done. Eager to forgive, restore, recommission. He trusts us to take care of His sheep! I believe with my whole heart that 2013 will be the best year in the history of The GBC. We will see more people come to Christ, more baptisms, and more spiritual growth than ever before as we continue to make disciples that make disciples.
The best is yet to come!!!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
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