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Listening for God's Voice

8/29/2021

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me" John 10:14

God speaks to us in different ways: through dreams, visions, people, scripture, prophets, audible voices, angels, worship, creation and donkeys. He can speak to us in anyway He wants to speak to us. Yet, He will never contradict His Word.

How?

Word of God -- Jesus and the written Word of God.

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17

We need to learn how to listen to God. But we can even mess up hearing God's voice if we aren't in tune with the Spirit. We can interpret the Bible through our own experiences -- rather than interpret our experiences through the Word of God. We can Deny the Word. Or we can put doctrine over relationship.

"By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me." John 5:30

God wants relationship with each of us.
To have a relationship we must communicate with each other.

"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
John 17:3

"5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:5-6

Hearing the voice of God is comparable to a horse wearing a halter. Getting a halter on a horse is just the first step in seeing a horse become trained. This is just like a person acknowledging God.

"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20

"But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water." 2 Peter 3:5

No one will have an excuse.

A New Christian is like a horse in a bosal -- we know we need to learn how to hear God's voice.

We are starting to listen.

"As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”" Acts 9:3-6

Saul listened when Jesus confronted him. Saul became a Jesus Follower.

Beginning Discipleship -- the snaffle bit:

1. In this stage we are learning to be "all ears.

A snaffle bit has a one-to-one pound of pressure -- In this stage God can give us more subtle directions. We're learning. We still might take time to get focused on God, but we are moving forward. We are growing. Be silent and focus, seek time alone.

"After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone," Matthew 14:23

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Mark 1:35

"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Luke 5:16

Jesus needed His time alone with the Father. So do we.

2. Open your Bible

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”" John 8:31-323.

3. Let the Spirit Lead Through the Word

Surrender control. God's got this. Just put yourself aside. Let Him lead.

"At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness," Mark 1:12

"While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you . . . Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." Luke 24:36,45

"these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us." 1 Corinthians 2:10-12

4. The Spirit is a gift to understand the Father.

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26

We learn as we go. We will get more and more sensitive to God's voice if we keep learning. Keep seeking.

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17

The Word of God is are one offensive weapon. We need to know it so we can know God's voice.

5. Open your mind to what God is saying.

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." 2 Chronicles 16:9a

"The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19:11-12

Go up the mountain -- challenge yourself. God is there.

Listening with all we are -- the spade bit with a horse. A horse isn't ready for a spade bit for years and years. We will get better and better at hearing God's voice the longer we walk with Him. It takes time.Lots of time.

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27

Our Amazing, Living God, wants to speak to You! Personally! Learn to listen to His voice. We never finish with our training.

Am I listening for God's whisper?

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Community

8/23/2021

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Redwood trees grow to 300 feet tall, taller than the Statue of Liberty! And some are 2500 years old!

They are massive. But they can't survive on their own because their roots are shallow.

They survive because their roots intertwine -- the trees support each other.

"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42-47

This is an example of the first church. Church was made up of Believers of all different walks of life. Prior to this, worship at the Jewish synagogue was about The Jewish people worshiping God. The church excludes no one. A totally new concept at the time! The Jewish religion had a high priest -- the church no longer needed one because Jesus is the high priest and we are all called to be priests of God. The Jewish religion excluded gentiles. The Church welcomes everyone.

The church was at the center of the Believers' lives. Today, we have lost that and churches are dying.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

We gotta stay together. We need each other.

"We are unified by our common weaknesses, our common failures and our common disappointments and our common inconsistencies." Henri Nouwen

The New Testament Church:

1. Everyone baptized in the Spirit -- had Received the Spirit.

"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place." Acts 2:1

2. Accepted the Message of Jesus.

"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." Acts 2:41

3. Devoted to Teaching and Fellowship.

"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42

It wasn't until the 1500s that we had Bibles. Medieval churches might have had one book of the Bible.

Why we need each other in the Church:

Strength: There is strength in numbers. We give each other strength. We encourage each other.

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

When those storms come we will fail of we try to stand alone, stay isolate.d

The worst a Christian wil experience is this life. The best nonbelievers will experience is this life. This is the hardest we will ever have it.

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven." james 5;15

And we can pray for each other.

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

And we can lean on each other.

Ministry: Each one of us has been tasked with the Great Commission:

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”" Matthew 28:19-20

Jesus said GO! This is not a suggestion.

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" Ephesians 4:11-12

We are equipped to go. We are not meant to just absorb and be entertained. Each of us is called to be Jesus's hands and feet. They were learning and studying so they could teach others.

Worship: corporate worship -- necessary for us.

"speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19-20

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

Discipleship: We each are growing or dying -- those are the only two options. Stagnation is dying.

"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." Colossians 3:16

We learn from each other.

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." 2 Timothy 2:2

We need to be growing leaders from among us.

Represent the family of God to the world.

See God in action through us! Through our church!

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," 1 Peter 3:15

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household," Ephesians 2:19

Therefore:

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:10-13

This is what we are supposed to do!

A lot of pastors burn out -- most don't even last 3 years. We need to feed each other's fire. Let us then be a church of:

LOVE!
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12
FAITH!
"This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome," 1 John 5:2-3
ACTION!
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" Mathew 25:40

If we aren't doing then we aren't following. Love the least of these.

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Stewardship

8/15/2021

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“Every faculty you have, your power of thinking or of moving your limbs from moment to moment, is given you by God. If you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to His service you could not give Him anything that was not in a sense his own already ... It is like a small child going to its father and saying, 'Daddy, give me sixpence to buy you a birthday present.' It is all very nice and proper, but only an idiot would think that the father is sixpence to the good on the transaction.”
― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Other than sin, is there anything in your life that didn't come from God?

Stewardship -- careful management of something entrusted to your care.

God has called us to be stewards of everything in our lives -- all of creation and every gift He gives us. Even our children belong to God.

"This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed." 1 Corinthians 4:1

EVERYTHING!

"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
    the world, and all who live in it;" Psalm 24:1

"The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth;
    you founded the world and all that is in it." Psalm 89:11

"For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" 1 Corinthians 4:7

No such thing as a "self-made" person. God has given us all things. We are made by God. Everything, our careers, our success, our family, relationships, stuff, money, everything is from God.

We were called to be stewards from the Beginning of Creation:

"God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:28

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." Genesis 2:15

Sin is a lack of stewardship -- a neglect, a not doing something we are supposed to do (or not do). We are called to care for all of creation.

Who Do You Work for?

God gave us our jobs for a purpose. Yes, those you work to earn money -- those are gifts from God for His purposes.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

Work for Jesus. Don't do it for people praise. If you have a job that is a blessing. If you don't like your job do it for Jesus. If you do like your job do it for Jesus. If you have a contrary boss, work there for Jesus. Do it all for Jesus. Our labor is a blessing.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

If we seek God first, and work for God God will bless our efforts.

Higher Standards for Christians
We understand what we have received.

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Even your body belongs to God. Your body has a purpose. It was bought with a price. Realize it is God's property and treat it as such. Do not abuse it. Do not bad mouth it. That body God loves and created for His purposes.

"This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."
1 Corinthians 4:1-2

In the end God wants to find us faithful. We need Him to find us faithful.

We have much, therefore . . .

“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:47-48

If you know better than do better. We will be held responsible for what we have been given and what we know.

What are we stewards of?

“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:37-38

Our Time, our Talents, our Treasures:
Time:
We are not promised time. You cannot add time to your life. Once a day is gone you will never get it back. We must take the opportunities God gives us or we may never get another chance. Our days are numbered.

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Philippians 4:8

Where does your mind wander to when it isn't preoccupied? It should go to the things noted above in Phil 4:8.

Talents:
Whatever skills or talents we have we have for God's purposes. They are given out to individuals.

"I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that." 1 Corinthians 7:7

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11

Everything we do should glorify God.

Treasures:

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

God loves cheerful givers! God always gives back more than we ever give. It all belongs to Him. And yes treasures include money, home family, relationships, children....everything! You have $400. You give God $40 cheerfully. But what if God asks for the entire $400? It all belongs to HIm. We are to give however we are led cheerfully.

The widow who put in 2 coins. She gave it all without calling attention to herself. She gave it all. Give willingly. This pleases God.

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me." 1 Coriinthians 4:2-4

Am I doing everything I can?
Am I giving everything I can give?
Am I doing the best I can?
It doesn't matter what people think or even what we ourselves think. God will be the one who judges us. His judgment is the one that counts.

So how do we apply this?
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. 39 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Luke 12:35-40

Always be ready for Jesus's return. No matter what. This applies to absolutely everyone.

"Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?” The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?" Luke 12:41-42

We each want to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Where is your heart, your mind, your money, your time, your job?

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The Beauty of the Creator

8/8/2021

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Have you ever wondered why? Why God gives us so many colors? Five senses to experience life? Have you ever wondered why God has given us so much beauty?

"Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
    in the heavens." Psalm 8:1

David uses two words for Lord in this verse: The first is Yahweh which means God, Creator God, the All-Supreme One. The second word for Lord is Adonai which means The Lord our Lord, the One We are meant to serve, to submit to.

God is involved in all of our lives. God is always God and continues to work in our lives whether we acknoledge Him or not.

"I can take my telescope and look millions of miles into space; but I can go away to my room and in prayer get nearer to God and heaven than I can when assisted by all the telescopes of earth." Sir Isaac Newton

The Wonder of God's Creation

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11

"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20

Compare a bird skeleton to a human skeleton. You will see continuity between creatures because God is consistent in His creation, in His creating. People can see God is Creator when they look at creation if they are open to God.

“Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker,
    those who are nothing but potsherds
    among the potsherds on the ground.
Does the clay say to the potter,
    ‘What are you making?’
Does your work say,
    ‘The potter has no hands’? Isaiah 45:9

Potsherds are broken pieces of pottery -- useless. That is all we are without Jesus Christ.

Through Children and Babies

"Through the praise of children and infants
    you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
    to silence the foe and the avenger." Psalm 8:2

Who can deny a child comes from God? There is power in babies and children -- them just existing and being themselves. We can learn from them. Jesus tells us to be childlike in perspective -- Everything is wonderful to a child -- we need to the wonder. A childlike perspective is vital for us to live, really live.

"For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

God knit me together with His fingers.

"When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?" Psalm 8:3-4

The same fingers that created the heavens and the moon and the stars!!

There is no end to the heavens. God takes care of the big things and the little things. All life on earth depends on the Sun. God gave us each a purpose. He calls individuals.

Creation speaks:

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge." Psalm 19:1-2

If we recognize the Creation we will draw near to the Creator. The more we listen to God, the closer we will get to Him.

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

"You have made them[a] a little lower than the angels[b]
    and crowned them[c] with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
    you put everything under their[d] feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
    and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
    and the fish in the sea,
    all that swim the paths of the seas." Psalm 8:5-8

Angels are powerful, but they don't get to experience God's forgiveness, salvation, mercy, grace.

God allowed Adam to name the animals.

If the child names the puppy, he claims the puppy.

God has called us to be stewards of absolutely everything.

Then along came humans and sin...

We brought sin into the world.

"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—" Romans 5:12

The world is decaying and dying because of our sin. But God didn't fire us. He still calls us to be stewards of the creation.

"For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed." Romans 8:19

Everything is waiting for Jesus to return!!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

God says He is going to save us from ourselves. Our Creator came back for us. He didn't desert us. Ever.

The New Creation -- Our Creator Lives!

"He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created." James 1:18

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

Share it. We are Reconcilers.

You are loved by Your Creator
It's our job to show people what love is and how much they are loved by God.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1

"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." 1 John 4:9

God gave us back what we destroyed.

"Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:9

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Reckless Love

8/1/2021

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Reckless -- acting without thought to consequences; rash, audacious

"18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God . . .

"22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles," 1 Corinthians 1:18, 22-23

The world says the way God loves us, the sacrifices He has made, the actions He has taken in loving us is stupid. None of it makes sense to the world.

Reckless Love has 3 characteristics:

1. ACTION

"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

2. UNREASONABLE

"God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21

3. CARELESS

"there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God." Romans 3:11

No one was looking for God. Jesus was a surprise. People didn't ask God for the sacrifice of Jesus. God did it any way because He wants to be in relationship with all of us.

The Apostle Peter -- impulsive, brash, really right and really wrong.

"Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’[a]
32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same." Matthew 26:31-35

Peter's the one who says it. Peter is the leader. Pete's the front guy. He has pride issues.

Just 6 hours later:

"54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” 57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. 58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. 59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” 60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly." Luke 22:54-62

Ground shaking! It's one thing to follow Jesus; another thing to watch Jesus beaten and killed. Jesus looked straight at Peter. It must have been soul splitting to be in Jesus's gaze.

Peter comes back because of Jesus's crazy love.

Fallout of pride and Denial

"Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a] It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing." John 21:1-3

Peter screwed up so bad he just decided to quit and go back to his old life. Jesus has other ideas. This becomes a reset for Peter.

"4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water." John 21:4-7

Peter was in the worst part of his life. Jesus repeats the miracle of the fish he did for Peter when Jesus first called Peter. This is the reset. In John 20 Peter is not mentioned in the two times Jesus appears to the disciples. Possibly Peter was staying the background, avoiding Jesus. And Jesus allowed this. The work within Peter needed time to fully come about. Then in the above verses Peter wants to come back to Jesus so bad. He remembered! He wants to regain what he has lost. He didn't want to abandon Jesus. Jesus knows this. And Jesus wants him back. Jesus was the one who made the first move in this relationship.

"15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you 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 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." John 21:15-17

The first two times Jesus asks Peter if he loves him Jesus uses "agape." Peter answers using "philo."
The last time Jesus uses "philo."

Agape is loving fully like God loves us.
Philo is loving like a brother.

Jesus is being incredibly gracious to Peter and Peter knows it. Jesus is God. He cannot be our brother until we also acknowledge Him as God.

"18 Very truly I tell you, 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!”" John 21:18-19

"Follow Me!" is a demand, a command. To follow Jesus we have to recklessly love. Like Jesus does. Like Hosea did with his prostitute wife Gomer. Love and don't worry about it. No matter if the other responds you still keep loving.

But then Peter shows us one last shot of pride...

"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?”" John 21:20-21

Jesus put a firm end on their conversation here. It doesn't matter what others do or say, we need to follow fully and love recklessly. Love like God does, not like the world does. Romance is easy. God's love is so big.

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