TODAY’S PROPHETIC THOUGHT

If you stumble, get back up and move forward again. Those who fail only do so because they choose not to get back up and fight. You are being strengthened in your inner man because I Am in you and will never leave you.

FEED MY SHEEP

I’m not one to eavesdrop, but I love the end of the book of John. It’s here we get to listen in on this very personal conversation between the resurrected Jesus and Peter, the recently restored hero of the fledgling church.

Jesus asks Peter three times, “Peter do you love me?” Peter begins to wonder what he should know that only the Lord Himself knows.

… and Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things. You know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” – John 21:17

Now everybody preaches on the beauty of that message, and they forget what comes next. All of a sudden, Jesus turns to Peter and says, “Let me tell you something else I know…” This conversation quickly becomes outright glorious.

Most assuredly I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish. This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow me.” – John 21:18-19

Did you catch it? Jesus turns to Peter and says, “You are going to finish really well.”

Famous for denying Christ three times, Peter had a history of cussing like the sailor he was and being unpredictable when overwhelmed. Knowing this, Jesus personally encouraged him by letting him know how his big finish would go.

“…Peter, you are going to go places you never would have gone before. I know how you are going to finish and it’s all going to glorify me.”  – Pastor Troy Version

I bet if you listen closely, you will hear Jesus tell you the same. I bet if you would walk close to Jesus, you would hear something like, “Oh, listen. I’ve seen how you finish and it’s just plain glorious!” Want a glorious finish? It’s up to you. Choose you this day whom you will serve. 

From my sermon series I LOVE MY TRIBE