Do You Love Him?

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Thursday, June 12, 2025

Today's Text: John 21:1-18

Key Verse: John 21:17 (NIV): "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.'"

Loving God above everything else is a foundational to our walk with God. It must be central to your life if it must be one of devotion and spiritual fulfillment. Our love for God helps us reorder our priorities, our deepest affections, loyalties, and to direct our aspirations towards God. This isn't merely an emotional sentiment, but a transformative commitment that influences every aspect of existence—from our relationships and decisions to our understanding of purpose and meaning. It's about recognizing God as the ultimate source of all good, and placing Him before personal desires, worldly possessions, and even other people. As believers, we have been called to love Jesus above all else, and in that love, to care for His people. Loving Jesus is not merely an emotion but a commitment demonstrated through our actions towards others. It's about prioritizing our relationship with God and, from that place of love, serving those He places in our path.

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. Here, three times, He directly addressed Peter, who had previously denied Him three times, giving him a profound opportunity to right his wrong and return to his original love. With a profound question, "do you love me more than these?" Jesus sought to restore Peter and clarify the foundation of his future ministry. The "these" could refer to the other disciples, challenging Peter to examine if his love for Jesus surpassed his human affections. It could refer to the fishes, caling him away from the care of life. Or, it could refer to his fishing nets and boats, which represents material and economic realities. This text is speaking to us while we are caught up in the loops of our worldly pursuits, which the fishing nets and equipment represent, prompting us, like Peter, to consider what truly held priority in our heart.

Peter's repeated affirmation, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You," was met with Jesus's consistent command: "Feed my lambs," "take care of my sheep," and "feed my sheep." This exchange beautifully illustrates that genuine love for Jesus is inseparable from caring for the things He cares for. It’s a call to action, reminding us that our devotion to Christ is manifested in our service to Him and others. Unfortunately, we are often distracted by self-interest, and a lack of focus on eternal priorities. We allow immaterial and material things to diminish our capacity to truly love and serve Jesus as He intends. Loving God requires humility, a willingness to be led by Him, and a fervent desire to nurture His flock. When more Christians genuinely love Jesus above all else, our impact on the world will be transformed, demonstrating God's boundless love to a hurting world.

Action Steps: Reflect on what "these" might represent in your own life. Are there worldly attachments or relationships that compete with your love for Jesus? Be intentional about prioritizing your relationship with Him through prayer, scripture reading, and worship. Look for practical ways to "feed His lambs" and take care of what He cares for in your daily life – whether through encouragement, practical help, or sharing the good news of Christ.

Quote for the Day: "True love for Christ is a call to selfless service. It is in caring for the sheep that we demonstrate our love for the Shepherd." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your unwavering love and for the opportunity to love You in return. Help me to truly love You above all else, and to demonstrate that love through my service and care for others. Grant me the humility and wisdom to love what You love, care for those You care for, and to "feed Your lambs" and "take care of Your sheep" as You have commanded — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this daily journey of faith. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: 1 Peter 5:2-4, John 10:11-16, and Acts 20:28.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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