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FOOD FOR THOUGHT •••
Unfinished work
READ : John 21
REV WILLIE BOTHA
ONE OF THE QUOTATIONS IN JOHN MAXWELL ’ S DIARY READS : “ I MUST ALWAYS TRY TO REMEM- BER THAT I AM AN UNFINISHED JOB .”
It makes one think . We are never perfect . As long as we live , God will never be done with us . We read in John 21 how Jesus changed Peter ' s embarrassment into an opportunity . Jesus in fact prepares a table for the second time when He invites the disciples after the wonderful fishing event to eat with him . Eating together was a gesture of hospitality and the table is set for a new chapter in Peter ' s life .
Peter does not have a good history in the book of John . He was the one who boasted and who denied his Lord . After the meal Jesus turned towards him and asked : Simon , Son of John , do you truly love Me ?” Peter replied that he truly loved Him , to which Jesus responded “ Feed My lambs ,” which means that Peter should look after his church . Peter must take care of the church in the same way that Jesus cared for them during His life of earth .
The reality and seriousness of the question really hit him when Jesus asked Peter the last time whether Peter loved Him . Peter denied the Lord three times and now he gets three chances to confess the name of Jesus . By doing it in the presence of the other disciples , his image as a leader is recovered . Peter would gradually realise that no-one , not even he , could walk with Jesus - however , he can and must use his enthusiasm and passion to live for Jesus . He would have learned then that he is not a finished job - that God is never done with him .
Please note that Jesus called Peter by name when he called him to be a disciple . You are Simon , son of John , and you will be called Cephas . Jesus deliberately gives him this name to create the impression that He is calling him , as if for the first time . When Jesus forgives someone , He removes all sin . He knows how to start from scratch with someone .
The question as to whether he loves Jesus , implies all possible meanings relating thereto . Love implies total sacrifice of yourself and loyalty to the one you love . If you love someone , you will do anything for that person - you will also be prepared to suffer for that person . It also implies obedience . In includes a life of prayer and closely following someone .
We can respond to our faults and sins by denying it and to eventually give up on our relationship with God . Or we can confess and discover that God is busy with us , an unfinished job . His forgiveness calls me to greater possibilities and opportunities .
SENWES Scenario • AUG / SEP 2017 57