For Love

Three times Peter denied Jesus after He had been arrested, was being unjustly accused, and being put on trial.  Peter behaved cowardly and afraid for his life.  

As passionate and fiery as Peter was, much of what he did was impulsive.  This personality trait was a grief to Peter more than once!  Fiery, impulsive, people can often regret that quality about their self, for it leads to embarrassment and undesired outcomes and consequences.

The truth was, Peter did love Jesus.  The problem was that Peter was incredibly human and weak.  Later, and as a result of this account, he would change - all because of the love of Jesus.

Mark 14:66‭-‬72 relates the account of Peter's betrayal of Jesus.  It says: And while Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the slave women of the high priest came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You were with Jesus the Nazarene as well.” But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.” And he went out onto the porch. The slave woman saw him, and began once more to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them!” But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter, “You really are one of them, for you are a Galilean as well.” But he began to curse himself and to swear, “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!” And immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he hurried on and began to weep.

Following Jesus' resurrection, He met with the Disciples and cooked them breakfast.  It was at this time Jesus gave Peter a wonderful and healing gift of reconciliation.  John 21:15‭-‬17 says: Now when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” He said to him again, a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was hurt because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep."

For each of Peter's denials Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to express his love for Jesus.  Jesus also gave Peter something 'to do' as an expression of his love for Jesus.  Jesus asked Peter to tend to - shepherd - His sheep.  

Jesus' commands are not burdensome when we love Him.  When we love someone we want to find ways to 'do' for them.  Love demands to find expression in action.  And, when we love, the action is not burdensome.  You have probably heard it said, "Love is a verb."  

This is not 'works' salvation.  Truly it is the wonderful grace of Jesus that we inspired and able to die to ourself, being set free from the bondage of sin and death, that we may express our love and gratitude for Him in obedience to His commands.  All commands are fulfilled in love, after all.

Scott

 

On the streets John and I met a handsome young man named Scott. Every time we see Scott it seems he is in one different state, or another. Yesterday morning, in the Laundromat where we were washing John's bedding, Scott walked in from the sidewalk to say, "Hi". We asked Scott how he was doing. He said, "OK", then he hurried to say "Disappointed".  

"Disappointed", was what Scott said to me the time before when I greeted him as he walked by where we were parked in the Ralph's parking lot. I was taking one of our small dogs potty. As Scott continued to walk by, avoiding eye contact, he was mumbling and cursing about his 'disappointments'. He looked rough.

Sometimes Scott looks rough, and sometimes he looks as if he has had a shower, shave, and haircut. He always seems to be wearing respectable clothes. Sometimes he is more coherent than other times. Sometimes he is acting possessed and mumbling to himself. Sometimes Scott has 'special knowledge', legitimately, while he is under the influence of nefarious spirits - demons. Yesterday morning Scott was clean, well dressed, and coherent. 

As we talked with him, Scott told us his Grandpa had just died. He is supposed to get some money (while talking with Scott one can early tell he comes from a family with money and connections). When he called his Grandma (who he has complained of before), she said he has nothing coming. Scott said he would be getting a Lawyer. Maybe he will. I doubt he will be able to keep it sane long enough to follow through on his threat.

Scott began to tell us of his parents. He has never had anything good to say about his family. He began to tell of how messed up his mom and dad are. That his mom is not doing well physically. That they do drugs. Etc. Money is always brought into the conversation, by Scott.  

Then Scott told us he was raped as a child. His parents had heard the rumors of Michael Jackson potentially being a pedophile. So, they arranged for Scott to go to one of Michael's famous parties for children. They were anticipating that if Michael had sex with their son they would be able to sue for a lot of money. Michael did rape Scott, according to his account, and then Michael died shortly thereafter and out went Scott's parents' plan to get paid for the rape of their son. In his face one can see the hurt, angry, and confused boy whom his parents were willing to trade off for a shot at greater wealth.

John and I talked with Scott about his story, as if it were true, and such a look of relief came over Scott's face. His face softened from the hurt and anger, and he thanked us. He said, "You don't know how good it feels to know someone's got your back". Sometimes someone just needs to be heard and believed.

Scott's family has discarded him. He is too much hassle and disappointment to his family by now I am sure. He is a thief, and consistently does behaviors that land him in trouble. Scott told us he was recovering from a go around with Fentanyl. He said he nearly ODed from the stuff on the sidewalk in front of Ralph's a week, or so, ago. We told Scott that John's niece died from Fentanyl just a couple of months ago. John has talked with Scott before about Fentanyl. John always tells him to be careful.

John and I talked to Scott of Jesus. We've talked to him of Jesus before, more than once. We told him that Satan is working to destroy his Soul to Hell, and that Jesus can save him. Scott said, "Yeah, I know", and then turned to make his exit. We told him we would pray for him, and he genuinely thanked us. John offered him a little weed, and a little pipe to smoke it with, to send him on his way. John and Scott continued their conversation out to the van, and as Scott departed. He said he was heading for Ventura because he has been kicked out of the liquor store here in Port Hueneme.

Before one judges the action of John giving Scott a little weed, read Proverbs 31 about King Lemuel's mother's sage advice. We did not offer alcohol. We hate alcohol, and its effects, and only buy someone alcohol if they are hustling money for it and come to us begging. Instead of giving money we buy them a bottle (IF we have money). We always tell these street people about Jesus - that Jesus can set them free. 

Scott thanked us - thanked John - and left, with his burden of disappointment lightened, if not just a little. Relief and gratitude were on his face. He looked more hopeful - if just for a moment.

I won't be posting pictures of Scott, or of the pretty young lady standing underdressed in the rain with snot running down her face from the cold. I want the reader to see these people in the faces of those they see on the streets - muttering, cursing, yelling, crying, dancing, broken hearted, and generally broken… and have a heart of mercy. Avoid anger, entitlement, and unforgiveness, taking root in your life, for these give the evil one a foothold. These give demons a place in your life to take hold.

Please pray for Scott, and those I mention of Street People. Please pray for Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus. Please pray for the lost. Please consider that when Jesus took up His Cross He took up the burdens of a lost and dying world. Now He asks us to take up our Cross and follow Him. Bear one another's burdens.

WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR A NIGHT, BUT JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING. PSALM 30:5