Peter’s Recommissioning Exam

After boasting in his commitment to Jesus (John 13) and then denying Hims (John 18), Peter finds himself sitting with Jesus around a fire with six other disciples. Jesus turns to Him and eventually recommissions Peter, who had failed mightily to minister to His people in His Church. We might think of long Q&A sessions and committee votes, but Jesus accomplishes the whole thing with one question:

“Do you love Me?”

It reminds me of how vital it is to keep my love relationship with Jesus fresh and vibrant. Often, I can feel that I need to fix this and that, I need to correct this, I need to schedule that, and then I will dedicate some time to that love relationship. Jesus' clear and singular focus in John 21 reminds me that I am unable to fix things unless I am actively in that relationship. The love comes first, not later on when there’s time. The love relationship unleashed the freedom of the Helper. And it is the Helper who helps me fix, repair, schedule, and correct the things of life.

But the love comes first!

I have learned (and am learning) that to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and abide in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1-2) is a quiet way to be still and know and appreciate and praise my dear Lord Jesus. It is like abiding in the Vine from John 15:5. It takes time. It is putting other things on the back burner. It is focusing on Jesus’ wonderful deeds in my life, family, and church.

In our busy lives, let’s make time for nurturing our love for Jesus. It is the key to everything else!