The Epilogue - 17: Beyond the Temporal
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | December 8 2024 | John 21:15-17
KEY VERSE:
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, "Feed my lambs.” John 21:15 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
God’s relationship with His people extends beyond merely meeting their physical or material needs. This truth is evident in Deuteronomy 8:2 and is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 4:4. In the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-15), although we are instructed to ask for daily bread, the prayer prioritises God’s Kingdom and His will on earth. Regrettably, the modern Church often narrows its focus to personal breakthroughs, sidelining the broader divine mandate.
Jeremiah 29:7 emphasises a different perspective. The exiles in Babylon were told to pray for their host cities, understanding that their peace and prosperity were intertwined with the welfare of those cities. Similarly, the Church in Ghana must broaden its focus beyond election-period prayers, interceding continually for national transformation. In John 6, after Jesus miraculously fed the crowd, they sought Him the next day—not for His teachings or signs but for more food (John 6:26). Christ clarified that the true purpose of His miracles was to point people to salvation in Him. Sadly, many disciples deserted Him when He presented Himself as the Bread of Life.
In John 21, Jesus turned to Peter after a meal, initiating a heartfelt conversation. This encounter invites us to reexamine our motives and priorities in following Christ. Are we focused on temporal gains or eternal purposes? Let us seek not what satisfies temporarily but what fulfils His eternal purpose.
Subsequent posts will take a closer look at this conversation and its implications. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Moses chose to endure affliction with God’s people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin (Hebrews 11:25). Similarly, Paul counted all worldly privileges as worthless compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8). In contrast, many today prioritise what only benefits this life. Let us realign our focus. PRAYER:
Dear Lord Jesus, help me live as a citizen of heaven, reflecting that reality in my attitudes, decisions, and actions. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: YES "Yes" may seem like a simple word, but in the context of John 21:15, it holds profound significance. The Greek word translated as "Yes" is nai, an affirmation of truth. It’s a word of agreement, signalling acceptance or alignment with a question or statement When Jesus asked Peter, 'Do you love me more than these?' Peter responded with 'Yes, Lord,' acknowledging not only his affection for Christ but also Christ’s insight into his heart. It was a statement of restored devotion and renewed purpose, following Peter’s earlier denial.
Theologically, 'Yes' in our relationship with God represents more than agreement—it’s a decisive commitment to His call and a surrender to His will. It marks the beginning of a transformed life, aligning our actions, thoughts, and desires with His purposes. Reflection: Peter’s repeated 'Yes' shows us that responding to God requires intentionality, humility, and trust. Each time we say 'Yes, Lord,' we reaffirm our love and allegiance to Him. What does your 'Yes' to God signify today?
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