November 6 - Luke 24:13-43, Mark 16:12-13, John 20:19-23, Mark 16:14, John 20:24-21:25, Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:44-49

Good morning everyone,

Imagine, if you will, a friend, a loved one, someone you were close to, who has died. Oh how you miss them, you would love to share just one more moment with them.Your heart is grieving while memories follow you wherever you go. Then one day, while you’re going about your business, that person joins you in a walk, or pops into your home while you are eating or joins you in a bonfire at the beach. How amazing would that be? Well, that is exactly what happened in the lives of the disciples. 

Today we read that two of Jesus’ followers were walking down the road, talking with each other about all that had happened to Jesus, when He joined them. At first they were kept from recognizing Him as He listened to their take on the events of his death. When they got to town they invited this seemingly stranger to stay with them for the night. Jesus accepted and while there opened their eyes to who He truly was. 

He would  also appeared to the disciples, materializing in a locked room which not surprisingly startled them, frightened them even. Jesus quickly calmed their fears saying, “Yo, guys! It’s Me. I said I’d be back. Check out these scars, it’s Me. I’m hungry, do you have something to eat?” (totally paraphrased) They, of course, fed Him.

Later, He also appeared to the disciples by the Sea of Galilee when they were coming in from a disappointing night of fishing. I love it Jesus, called out to them over the sound of the waves, while they were still a football field’s length away, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” Peter was so excited when he heard it was Jesus, he jumped out of the boat into the water to get to Him. Way cool! I would like to believe I would do the same thing. Jesus said to his guys, “I’ve got a fire going, let’s have some breakfast.” (paraphrased) I love how Jesus loved to eat. Right?

After the meal Jesus has a chat with Peter where three times Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” Peter answered, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” Each time, Jesus answered, “Feed My sheep.” Jesus didn’t ask these questions for Himself but for Peter, to emphasize the crazy important truth that only love for Christ would sustain Peter in the work that lay ahead. Peter would be going out into the mission field where the work promised to be difficult, at best. Most definitely tiring and demanding work, caring for people’s souls.

Don’t let it get lost on you that Jesus did not ask Peter if he loved “the sheep” but if he loved Jesus. Right? His sheep can be unresponsive, unappreciative, and brutally critical of our efforts to love and to serve them. In the end, we will find ourselves defeated and discouraged. The love of Christ is the only motivation that will enable us to stay on course. 

When you love Christ enough, when your faith and trust in Him is greater than your own will. When you really, really put all self behind and live with Jesus as your number one, (not your spouse), you numero uno (not your kids). When you obey what Jesus tells us is the most important commandment of all, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Then I know and with everything I am believe all else in life will fall beautifully right into place. All the sheep and their attitudes won’t mean a thing, it will roll right off you when you love Jesus the most. Just keep on loving Christ. Amen?

have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..