From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Sep 15, 2021 at 4:31 AM

Subject: 9-15-21 THOUGHTS

9-15-21   THOUGHTS

There’s an interesting exchange at the end of the gospel of John.  It’s as if Jesus is putting a seal on Peter here at the end.  Peter had denied him three times before, was Jesus making the point?  Peter was “hurt” at the three times.  The Greek words in this dialogue change.  The change would have been audibly distinguished.  Jesus asks for AGAPE LOVE the first two times, Peter responds with a lesser PHILEO LOVE. The third time, Jesus just asks for PHILEO LOVE.  The NIV uses “truly” to make this distinction.  But then, feeding lambs, goes to taking care of sheep and back to feeding sheep.  It all culminates in Jesus command to Peter...  “FOLLOW ME!”  Jesus had spread Peter’s life out before him!  FOLLOW MEANT DIE!  
Follow meant,   “  Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5  And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6  And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:”    Deut 6:4-6

John 20:15-22  NIV    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." 16  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." 17  The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. 18  I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19  Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!" 20  Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") 21  When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"  22  Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."

FOLLOW seems to have a COST associated with it!  The COST IS ME!  
DO I UNDERSTAND?   TRULY?

My Prayer:
Father God, teach us what we need to know to truly follow your Son. Remove the noise of this world, so that we can truly listen to your voice.  Make us real in our efforts to serve you.  In joyful love, may we serve you as our one and only Lord, no world, just you.  May your loving kindness be upon us.  Give us an unwavering voice to lift up the name of your Son.  
It’s in  His name that we pray           Amen.