This week’s devotions are based upon our Christmas Morning message from Matthew 2:1-12 & Luke 2:1-20.
This week we’ve been using the shepherds and magi (wise men) as case studies. We’ve seen through them that coming to Jesus in worship will lead to mission. What we love will go public. This is a spiritual law. If you want to know what a person or church is in love with, look at what they are known for!
Today, we finish 2021 and these Christmas devotionals by looking at the restoration of Peter. No matter how you feel about the last year this Christmas and the year ahead, there is restoration and fruitfulness available to us all.
Peter denied Jesus after being with him for 3 years. After His resurrection, Jesus comes to reinstate Him as a leader. He begins with this challenge,
“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17)
Loving Jesus is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. It’s at the heart of being a leader. It’s at the heart and it’s the energy that drives our mission. Love is at the heart of what will make 2022 great! Loving Jesus and loving others is God’s best for you and is the best that you can do for yourself!
Peter is a very important leader and Jesus wants him to get his priorities right. Without love, we are nothing. Without love, we can achieve nothing. Pride and fear may achieve much, but it’s worship that achieves what is of true and eternal worth.
Peter needed to learn that loving Jesus as a worshipper was the foundation of all future fruitfulness. The shepherds and the Magi reveal this.
Do we really love Jesus? Do we come regularly to worship and adore him? Being a witness starts with worship. Every day we face decisions, challenges and opportunities to be a good or bad witness. To be truly fruitful we need to come and worship him. Reaffirm our love for Him. Everyday may we answer Jesus’ question, “Do you love me?” with a “Yes Lord, you know that I love you”. Bringing joy to the world starts with Jesus becoming our joy!
JOY TO THE WORLD
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
There are no Community Group meetings until January.