Love First. Serve Second. Jn21:17 (s3e74)

Peter has betrayed the Lord.  He has repented, but is waiting for restoration.  He's run to Jesus.  He's hurled himself into the sea towards Jesus.  He's ready, and now, after breakfast, he gets his chance.

I am charmed that a huge offloading of responsibility is predicated by LOVE.  Do you love me?  Yes!  Then do this stuff.  It is the stuff I used to do and is most precious to me.  Now I am going to have you do it.   But first, but primarily: love me.  Yes, I want you to know my omniscience, my diety and my Lordship.  But first, be in loving relationship with me.

We demonstrate our love for Jesus by loving God's people.  Here, the primary emphasis is on loving Jesus first.  Let's keep that in mind.  Let's make it a joy for those who pastor over us.  They are charged with some stuff that is near and dear to Jesus' heart as the great Shepherd.  Let's make their job easier.  Let's run to the battle of restoration.  That's pretty hard.  Let's run to the battle of loving and being loved by God.  Frankly, that is hard too sometimes.  Finally, let's serve His church in whatever way He will have for us.  That's probably hard too.  We are doomed if we don't get the love part right.  Love first.  Everything else second.  Love and serve His church by thinking about who to share this podcast with.  write me and I will put the on the list:  bewithme.us@gmail.com