John 21
We'll learn about Jesus the stranger.
When Peter returned to the old life, he took six other men with him.
Their work was in vain because the Lord was not with them.
How kind He is to come to us when we have disobeyed and failed in our work.
We'll learn about Jesus the Master.
When Jesus takes charge, failure is turned into success.
And the difference is only the width of the ship.
You never know how close you are to victory.
So admit your failure and obey what He tells you to do.
He never fails.
And Jesus is also the Host.
It took six men to drag the net.
But Peter did it alone when Jesus gave the orders.
We should always remember that God's commandment is God's enablement.
Did the fire of coals remind Peter of his denials?
Did the miraculous catch of fish remind him of his call to service?
How kind is Jesus to feed Peter before dealing with him about his sins.
And we'll read about Jesus the Shepherd.
The most important thing in ministry is loving Christ.
For all ministry flows from that.
Peter the fisherman was also to be a shepherd to care for the lambs and sheep.
And then finally we'll read about Jesus the Lord.
By saying, “Follow Me,” Jesus reinstated Peter as an apostle.
But Peter turned around and took his eyes off the Lord.
And Jesus had to rebuke him.
The next time you're tempted to meddle in somebody else's ministry, ponder Christ's words: “What is that to you? You follow me.”
Peter followed the Lord right into the excitement of the Book of Acts.
Acts 1
We'll see that 120 ordinary people hardly constitute an imposing army.
But in a few days, they will make an impact that is being felt even today.
The same resources God gave them are still available to us.
Now Christ is the head of the church and supplies life to His body, giving dynamic and direction to His people.
What He began to do and teach, the church continues, as He guides and empowers through His Spirit.
God's power is available to God's people who want to do His will and be His witnesses.
You do not have to be an apostle to have the power of the Spirit in your life.
We'll learn about the promise of His return.
He is the Lord of history, working out His purposes in the world.
The church may lose some battles, but we will win the war.
And we'll learn about the power of prayer.
God shares His power with us as we pray and ask Him for His help.
Throughout the Book of Acts, notice Luke's emphasis on prayer.
The first church was a praying church.
His Word is still our lamp and light.
And we must obey what it says.
God guides His people when they're willing to follow.
No comments:
Post a Comment