Lovest Thou Me – 5.6.09

It's an intriguing and instructive scene on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in John 21.

• The unsuccessful, all-night fishing venture of Peter and his buddies represent a return to the old life, and points us to the power of leadership.
  
• The disciples' hauling 153 fish to shore when they see and listen to Jesus represent what should be the full-time "occupation" of every Christian (Matthew 4:19; Luke 19:13).
  
• The fish and bread on the fire and the invitation to come and dine represent what awaits us on the heavenly shore (see John 11:43-44 w/ John 12:1-2; Revelation 3:20; Luke 22:16, 18, 30; Revelation 19:9).

After the meal, Jesus starts a conversation with Simon Peter. Three times Jesus asks Simon the same question (vv. 15-17), Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Verse 17 notes that Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time…

Why do you think Jesus asked the question 3 times? Didn't Peter answer the same way each time? Why do you think it grieved Peter the third time Jesus asked? Was he just annoyed at having to answer the same question 3 times over?

Perhaps this all has something to do with something else that happened 3 times in Peter's life. Mark 14:30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Aren't you glad that God is loving and forgiving? For every time that Peter denied knowing or having anything to do with the Lord, Jesus here gives Peter an opportunity to declare his love for Him! Praise the Lord.

Have you ever denied your Savior? Have you kept your mouth shut when an opportunity arose to speak on God's behalf (Job 36:2)? Have you prayed for open doors to preach the gospel (Colossians 4:3) then stood there and stared at the doors God opened without bothering to walk inside? I know I have.

And I'm sure glad that God doesn't just cast me aside – like He could. I'm thankful that God doesn't just get me out of the way and kill me and take me to heaven – like He could. I'm glad He's merciful and longsuffering enough to give me another chance to PROVE that I love Him by speaking up and telling others about the Savior.

Notice that Jesus expected Peter's love to be evidenced in certain ways. Namely, Feed my sheep and Follow me. I'm certain that almost all of us, if asked, would claim to love the one who suffered and bled and died to take away our sins and give us the free gift of everlasting life. But one more time, let's stop and ask ourselves if the lives we live demonstrate the love we would claim to have for Jesus Christ.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Do we witness (Mark 16:15)? Are we separated from the world unto God (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)? Do we love your brothers and sisters in Christ (John 15:12, 17)? We can sit in church and sing songs like "O, How I Love Jesus" or "My Jesus I Love Thee" all we want, but Peter got it right in John 21. Lord; thou knowest...

What evidence does God see when he looks at your life? Evidence that you love Him, or evidence that you deny Him?

Leadership 2 – 5.1.09

John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

There's another application we can take from this passage that would be worth considering.

What was Peter's occupation, prior to becoming one of Jesus' 12 apostles? He was a fisherman. But one day Jesus Christ showed up and said to Peter, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men (Luke 5:10). On that day, Peter forsook all and followed the Lord (Matthew 19:27).

The 3½ years he spent with Jesus Christ totally changed his life, and Peter was completely committed to His Savior. Listen to what he testified…

Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

John 6:68-69 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

Matthew 26:33-35 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended…Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

But things didn't turn out like Peter thought they would. Jesus had made it clear ahead of time that He would go to Jerusalem, be delivered into the hands of the chief priests and elders, and be crucified, but Peter (and the rest of the 12) just didn't get it…or refused to accept it…or both.

In any event, Peter denied the Lord 3 times, but when he heard the third crow of that rooster, he went out and wept bitterly, finding a place of repentance. The Lord had now risen and twice showed Himself to the apostles, leaving them with instructions to wait in Jerusalem for the coming of the Spirit (Luke 24:49).

Now, I'm not saying that Peter turned his back on God when he decided to go fishing that night, but it's easy to see that for the purpose of this application that decision REPRESENTS a return to Peter's former life.

How sad it is that so often there are people who experience the life-changing and soul-saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ and dedicate their lives to following Him, but for whatever reason decide one night to go back to "fishing" – the old life, the old friends, the old places, the old habits, the whole dog returning to his vomit bit.

And what makes it even worse is the inevitable after effect…They say unto him, We also go with thee. Christian, if you get tired and quit on God, chances are very, very good that someone you care about is going to follow you out that door and onto whatever ship you board for a vain and empty fishing venture – that night they caught nothing.

1 Timothy 6:11-12 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Leadership – 4.29.09

John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

This third appearance of Jesus Christ to His disciples following His resurrection (v. 14) took place on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (v. 1). After a long and unsuccessful night of fishing, Jesus had them cast their nets on the right side of the ship (v. 6). When this last effort yielded a great catch, they realized it was Jesus (v. 7). Peter put his shirt and jumped into the water, and the others dragged 153 fish to the shore (v. 11) where Jesus has supper waiting (vv. 9, 12). He instructed Peter to feed His sheep (vv. 15-17) and follow Him (v. 19) regardless of what anyone else does (v. 22).

Now focusing on verse 3, we note that Peter was a leader among Christ's apostles. In fact, whenever the names are listed, Peter's is always first. Peter always seemed to be first to open his mouth (often inserting his foot) or to take action in a situation. That was just Peter.

But one day Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee and saw Peter and Andrew casting their nets. He called out to the two brothers, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). And Peter's life was never the same. Yeah, he made some mistakes. Yeah, he said some really stupid things. Yes, he denied the Lord. But as you read the history of the foundation of God's church in Acts 1-12 there's one of Christ's apostles who stands out as a leader. It's Peter.

He preaches on the Day of Pentecost, and 3,000 believe (Acts 2). He heals a lame man and preaches Jesus before the Beautiful gate of the temple, and 5,000 more believe (Acts 3-4). The Jewish leaders didn't like it, so Peter was arrested and brought before the council, where he boldly proclaims Jesus Christ as the only saving name (4:12) and refuses to bow to their threats (4:19). He's put in prison again but follows an angel out the prison doors and into the temple to teach the assembled crowds, deeming it better to obey God than men (5). He gives his blessing on the revival in Samaria (8) then goes down to Joppa to raise Lydda from the dead (9). He takes the gospel to the house of Cornelius – a Gentile! – and explains to the leaders in Jerusalem that God had granted the Gentiles repentance unto life (10-11). He's put in prison again, this time awaiting execution as soon as HEROD got finished celebrating Easter, but an angel wakes him up and leads him to the house where the church is interceding for him (12).

Here's the point. Peter answered Jesus' call to go fishing for men, to cast out the net of the gospel message and bring men and women to Christ. And God blessed. And when he stepped out in boldness and obedience, many said, We also go with thee.

Young person, God is looking for some LEADERS who will step out and boldly proclaim Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world, regardless of what everyone else is doing, and regardless of the consequences. Will you be a leader that others can follow? Will you purpose in your heart to follow the Lord and fish for men? Chances are if you step out, eventually someone is going to follow.

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Matters of Prayer

1. Big day at the church house tomorrow. We're expecting a good 75 teens from churches across central FL for a one-day youth rally. Several things to wrap up today and a full slate of activities for tomorrow. Pray for Bro. Ray Pettit, who will be preaching twice during the meeting. And please pray that the Holy Spirit will be pleased to move in a mighty way, that young people will respond to the preaching, and that God will do a great work in the lives of many.

2. I've received (and rejected) a few comments recently from an anonymous contributor. It is apparent that a root of bitterness has sprung up in his heart and is troubling him. Please pray that he allows the Lord to remove it before many are defiled.

And a reply to Mr. Anonymous (since I've no other way to contact you). Man up and stop being a coward. Read Matthew 18:15 and confront me personally about whatever problem you have with me. Thanks.

Another Ungodly Alliance – 4.24.09

The story of Jehoshapaht reads much like that of his father Asa. The Lord was with him and greatly prospered him because he walked in the first ways of his father David, seeking the Lord and not Baalim (2 Chronicles 17:3-5).

Because his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord, he took away Judah's groves and high places and sent itinerant priests throughout all the cities of Judah to teach the people God's law (2 Chronicles 17:6-9).

When invaded by Moab, he prayed to the Lord, proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah, and depended on God to grant a miraculous victory (2 Chronicles 20:1-25).

But...In chapter 18, he joins affinity with Ahab, agreed to go to battle with him at Ramoth-gilead despite the warnings of God's prophet Micaiah, and even allowed Ahab to convince him to put on his clothes so the Syrians would think he was the king of Israel. Not real sure what he was thinking.

He was rebuked for this by Jehu (not the king of Israel, the prophet, the son of Hanani, who rebuked Jehoshaphat's father Asa) in chapter 19, but in chapter 20 he joined himself with Ahab's son Ahaziah – who did very wickedly the Bible says – in a shipping venture that God (literally) broke up.

Now, when you simply view the lives of Asa and Jehoshaphat you can recognize their error and you can see how certain things would've turned out better had they separated themselves from the kings and peoples of the surrounding nations. But to tell the truth, it doesn't seem like their ungodly alliances cost them all that much.

But such thoughts quickly fade when you continue your reading in 2 Chronicles 21-22. Jehoshaphat, the one who joined affinity with Ahab, had a son named Jehoram (the same name as one of Ahab's sons) who killed all his brethren, married one of Ahab's sisters, Athaliah, and led the nation into the pagan worship practiced by the wicked kings of Israel. All but one of his sons were carried away by the Philistines and Arabians, and he died a slow and painful death of sore diseases (after 2 years, his bowels fell out). The Bible says he departed without being desired.

Not only that, but when his youngest and only remaining son Ahaziah died, his wife Athaliah massacred all of her grandchildren (or so she thought – Joash's aunt hid him in a bedchamber) and took the throne over Judah.

So in hindsight, Asa's and Jehoshaphat's ungodly alliances cost much more than they could have ever imagined. And that's always the case with sin. Our problem is that we're so short sighted. We think that we're OK because what we're involved in isn't hurting us right now. But that's just not the case. You always reap what you sow. You always reap much more than you sow. And sometimes you reap much later than you sow.

Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

An Ungodly Alliance – 4.21.09

2 Chronicles 14:2 And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God:

Asa was one of the best of the 8 good kings in Judah's history. Here's a list the Chronicles record gives to back up the statement in this verse:

• After hearing the preaching of Obed the prophet, he took courage and took away the altars of the strange gods and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves, put away abominable idols, and renewed the altar of the Lord (14:3, 5; 15:1-8).
• He commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. All the nation entered into a covenant to seek God with all their heart and soul (14:4; 15:9-14).
• He removed his mother from her queenly throne because she made an idol in a grove and burnt the idol at the brook Kidron (15:16).
• Because he sought the Lord, the Lord prospered Judah and gave the nation rest (14:6-8; 15:15).
• He trusted God to grant the victory over a mighty Ethiopian host (14:9-15).
• And dedicated the spoils of war to the service of God (15:18).
  

What a guy! But unfortunately, there's a chapter 16 in the book of 2 Chronicles, and it tells a different tale regarding this man. Asa started strong (praise the Lord), but he did not finish well.

• He became enraged when Hanani the prophet rebuked him so he put him in prison and oppressed some of the people (16:7-10).
• He had an exceeding great disease in his feet (haven't you always wondered what that was?) but sought to physicians instead of the Lord and died (16:11-12).
  

What a sad ending to an otherwise happy and blessed life. It's instructive to note where the change begins in chapter 16. Verses 1-6 describe how Asa brought out silver and gold from the treasures of the house of the Lord to make a league with the pagan king of Syria, Benhadad, against Israel.

What business did a godly king of a godly nation have seeking out help from the heathen? Couldn't they have just sought the Lord? Hadn't he been faithful to meet the need in times past (that's the subject of the sermon that got Hanani jailed in 16:7-9).

As I read this story, I come to the sad realization that it's been repeated many times since. How often has a strong Christian race been slowed, been stunted, been brought to a screeching halt, because of an ungodly alliance?

Paul asked the believers in Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; WHO did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? May we consider the example of Asa and take heed to the Spirit's instruction of 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God...

Wisdom from George Muller – 4.18.09

The less we read the word of God, the less we desire to read it, and the less we pray, the less we desire to pray.

-George Muller

Mr. Muller knew what he was talking about. He was a man who read his Bible from end to end almost 200 times (most of that reading being done while on his knees in prayer) and prayed in millions of dollars for the operation of the orphanages he founded in Bristol, England without ever asking anyone for money. He never took a salary the last 68 years of his ministry but trusted God to put in people's hearts to send him what he needed. He ran orphanages, a mission agency, and a church without ever taking out a loan or going into debt. And neither he nor the orphans ever went hungry.

(Read a short bio on George Muller at http://www.desiringgod.org/)

So he was a man who knew how to get in touch with God. He devoted himself to this task, for the work he set out to accomplish – and did accomplish – depended entirely on this ability.

But pay careful attention to what he said. Basically, he said that a desire to faithfully read God's word and consistently spend time before the Lord in prayer is something that must be acquired. It might not be fun all the time. It might not be naturally enjoyable.

But if you become convinced that it's worth the commitment of your time and effort – and it is – then eventually the blessing and the sweetness of spending time in fellowship with God will cause it to become much more than a duty or an obligation; it will become the longing and desire of your heart.