He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:17 KJV
Growing up there would always be a time when our parents had to repeat things to us.
Each time they say it, they wanted to make sure we really heard them.
They would repeat about three times before they felt like we understood.
As we grew and now have children of our own, we see the same thing occurring.
We find ourselves repeating things to our children in an effort to ensure they understand.
As His children, God is always talking to us.
But are we listening?
We may be grown, but the Lord is constantly having to repeat things to us.
He wants to make sure we are really listening.
Peter is an example that meets this picture.
In this passage, Peter had a conversation with Jesus by the Sea of Galilee.
As they were talking, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him.
Three times Jesus said that if Peter truly loved Him, he would feed His sheep (John 21:15-17).
There was even another occasion when God repeated an important message to Peter three times (Acts 10).
Peter was shown, in a vision, a sheet coming down from Heaven and on the sheet were animals that were considered unclean.
Yet the voice told him to, “Rise, Peter; kill, and eat” (Acts 10:13).
He was told this three times (Acts 10:16).
With what we read and come to know about Peter, he was a man who had trouble with coming to a decision concerning the truth or the falsehood of God’s plan of action.
Because of the patience that God had with Peter, it should be an encouragement to us to do the same with our children as well as others.
How sincere we are in our love to God will always be brought to the test.
It is in our best interest to pray and examine ourselves and allow God to guide us.
To answer when He calls.
The knowledge the Father gives makes it easier for us remain steadfast in instructing and doing the things that are necessary.
We are to be as patient with our children and others, just like God has been with us.
When we fail to do so the sincerity in what we say or do will be questioned.
We need to be like Peter.
Willing to respond to God’s calling and listen to what He says.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, You have always been patient with us, especially when we have been slow to hear You. If Peter was able to talk with You and come to understand what You were saying, we can too. Please give us the grace we need to truly answer You when You speak.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen