Forward In Love - Friday, January 25

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?”
John 21:17

Have you felt the hurt of Jesus in the quick of your life? Satan never hurts you there, neither does sin nor human affection; nothing gets through to that place but God’s word. Under the weight of this question, Peter was awakened to the fact that in the true center of himself he was devoted to Jesus, and he began to understand the purpose for Jesus’ persistent question.
After this questioning there was no delusion left in Peter’s mind; he wouldn’t allow himself to be deluded again. There was no need for a passionate discourse to prove his love. Jesus’ question revealed to Peter something that probably surprised even him-he really did love God. After three times, the only thing left for Peter to say was, “Lord, You know all things (I have nothing to hide) You know I love you.”
Peter was beginning to realize just how much he did love Jesus. He didn’t try to prove it; he didn’t cite examples; he just seemed to live in the hovering reality of his love for God. He did love God, but he didn’t realize how much until Jesus questioned his love. Jesus’ questions always reveal to me something about myself.
Jesus was skillfully and patiently revealing the true condition of Peter’s heart to him. Jesus doesn’t ask us questions until the right time, but usually at least once, he will corner us where he will hurt us with his relentless questions; and hopefully, like Peter, we will realize that we do love Him more deeply than any answer could ever reveal.