Lost

John 21:15-19

The Message (MSG)

Do You Love Me?

¹⁵ After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
¹⁶ He then asked a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”
Jesus said, “Shepherd my sheep.”
^17-19 Then he said it a third time: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, “Do you love me?” so he answered, “Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I’m telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, “Follow me.”


I have been chewing on this verse for the past few days.   I am reminded of the story of the shepard and the lost sheep.  He has 99 who are doing ok, and are safe.  There is 1 that is lost and tangled up in the thorn bushes.  Does the shepard leave the 1 on it's own to find it's way home....NO  he leaves the 99 and sherches desperatly for that 1 that is lost.  

many times there are people in our lives that are that 1 lost sheep.  Everyone has at least 1 person that fits this picture.  How many times do we leave the saftey of the 99 and go after the 1?  Lord i pray that i am never too comfortable in the saftey of the 99 to go look for the 1.  I pray that you clense and protect me as I live my life openly for you. That I will never be ashamed to proclaim you name to the lost sheep of the world.  Lord you are my cornerstone, my rock and foundation.

amen

hillsong - cornerstone