CHRIST STILL ASKS: "DO YOU LOVE ME?"
NELSON PRICE
JOHN 21: 1 - 17
4\20\97
JESUS CHRIST often endures our embarrassing abuse, denial,
and betrayal only to come back compassionately to restore us to
an even more meaningful love relationship with Him.
On the eve of His crucifixion His disciples showed no staying power
when pressure was applied by the accusing Romans who came to
arrest Him in Gethsemane. They became instant mutineers. They
betrayed, denied, and abandoned Him. They were a disgrace to
their declared devotion as they fled for their lives.
Before we become too condemning we would do well to review our
own record. When was the last time you passed the test of stick-a-
bility? Has there been a social setting when Christ's modern day
accusers were so in control of the moment that you, feeling the
heat, betrayed Him? Have you been caught in a circumstance
where you were the minority and rather than lose social or business
acceptability you forsook Him? Has there been a time recently
when you found it easier to be Politically Correct than Biblically
right.
The disciples who deserted had made impressive prior
commitments to Him. Only hours before, Peter said, "'Even if I have
to die with You, I will not deny you!' And so said all the disciples"
(Matthew 26: 35).
What a commitment! What a shallow commitment!
Commitment is essential in order to achieve anything. However, behind public
commitment must be the personal resolve to fulfill the intent.
Commitment is the capacity to carry out the intent of a decision long after the emotion
that inspired it has faded.
I have seen many make life-changing commitments. Some have made dramatic
commitments resulting in radical lifestyle changes. I am inspired each week to look into
a sea of faces of those who dare to be different - people of commitment.
I appeal to you not to refuse to make a wholehearted commitment to Christ because
some do not liv ...
NELSON PRICE
JOHN 21: 1 - 17
4\20\97
JESUS CHRIST often endures our embarrassing abuse, denial,
and betrayal only to come back compassionately to restore us to
an even more meaningful love relationship with Him.
On the eve of His crucifixion His disciples showed no staying power
when pressure was applied by the accusing Romans who came to
arrest Him in Gethsemane. They became instant mutineers. They
betrayed, denied, and abandoned Him. They were a disgrace to
their declared devotion as they fled for their lives.
Before we become too condemning we would do well to review our
own record. When was the last time you passed the test of stick-a-
bility? Has there been a social setting when Christ's modern day
accusers were so in control of the moment that you, feeling the
heat, betrayed Him? Have you been caught in a circumstance
where you were the minority and rather than lose social or business
acceptability you forsook Him? Has there been a time recently
when you found it easier to be Politically Correct than Biblically
right.
The disciples who deserted had made impressive prior
commitments to Him. Only hours before, Peter said, "'Even if I have
to die with You, I will not deny you!' And so said all the disciples"
(Matthew 26: 35).
What a commitment! What a shallow commitment!
Commitment is essential in order to achieve anything. However, behind public
commitment must be the personal resolve to fulfill the intent.
Commitment is the capacity to carry out the intent of a decision long after the emotion
that inspired it has faded.
I have seen many make life-changing commitments. Some have made dramatic
commitments resulting in radical lifestyle changes. I am inspired each week to look into
a sea of faces of those who dare to be different - people of commitment.
I appeal to you not to refuse to make a wholehearted commitment to Christ because
some do not liv ...
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