FRIDAY, APRIL 27
“He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” and he said to Him, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”
John 21:17 ESV
FACING THE TRUTH: WHERE ARE WE HEADED?
In 2009, Oregon Duck running back LeGarrette Blount, was suspended for the season after punching a Boise State player in the season opener. The next season Blount was allowed to rejoin the Ducks. At the time, Blount said in a statement released by the university that he would not speak to reporters, “Until that time, I feel my actions can speak louder than anything I could say. I just want to help my teammates who have been supportive of me.” LaGarrette Blount’s actions spoke louder than his words and he went on to be a great teammate and to have a successful career in the NFL, having won 3 Super Bowl titles with the Patriots and the Eagles.
In life and ministry, it’s so important that our actions speak just as loud if not louder than our words. When Jesus restored Peter in John 21, He basically told Peter, if you love Me take care of my people. Jesus told Peter to feed and tend His sheep, which was another name for His followers. Sheep can be kind of dumb, stinky and bite on occasion. But Jesus still loves His followers. And if we love Jesus we are going to love and serve His people.
When God restores us, He restores us with a purpose. Jesus prayed for Peter even before Peter failed. Jesus told Peter, “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32). Jesus is praying for you too. Ask God how He wants to use your past failures and struggles to help others.
