Daily Worship

Simon Peter Reinstated

Mrs Karen Brown October 30, 2014 0 0

John 21: 15-17

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ”Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes Lord“ He said, “you know that I love you.”  

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”  He answered, “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

Sadness overwhelms me Lord, how can I belong to you when I deny you so often? 

I’m so like Simon Peter Lord, he denied you three times.

Denial protects me from my own deceits, pretences and I suppose lies. Denial is so much easier and less threatening, especially at work, it saves me from the derision of my colleagues. 

Sadness at my denial threatens to overwhelm me.

You see Lord, denial is my last defence against you. Denial allows me to convince myself that I don’t really need you in my life.

Longing for you seems to engulf me.

Lord, I’m so like Simon Peter in my struggle to allow myself belong to you. I seem to hear you asking the same question, do you love me?

Forgive all my dishonesty of heart and pretence that you don’t matter.

Joy fills my heart.

Lord, release me from the fear of saying I am yours.

Love touches my soul.

“Simon Peter do you love me?” Again I hear you as if for a third time!

Lord take all my denial from me and make me truly yours.

Peace and a new sense of belonging fill my entire being. 

Yes Lord, you know that I love you.  Amen.