John 21:15-19 (NKJV)
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said
to Simon Peter, "Simon,
son of Jonah,* do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know
that I love You."He said to him, "Feed My lambs." 16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah,* do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know
that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah,* do you love Me?" Peter was grieved 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, "Feed
My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you
were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are
old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And
when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."
Peter, despite his ups and downs, did persevere
until the end of his life. Peter was transformed during his time with Jesus and
especially when he was baptised in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). It is really a
mark of a true believer to repent of sins, learn from mistakes, and grow
throughout his or her life. Peter did these things and in the end he gave his
life for Christ. Church historians Tertullian, Origen, and Eusebius state that
Peter was stretched out by his hands, dressed in prison attire, taken where no
one wanted to go (place of crucifixion), and was crucified as Jesus had predicted.
From an inconsistent background, he became a
humble, willing and obedient servant of the Lord even unto death. He rejoiced
in that day of his death, knowing that he would be reunited with his beloved
Saviour. What a glorious end. He indeed persevered to the end.
What challenges are you going through as a young
Christian, and do you intend giving up? Whatever it is, stand firm and look up
to the one who is able to keep you strong until the end (1Cor. 1:8). And know
this, that our present sufferings and challenges cannot even be compared to the
glory that will be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18). Oh what a glory!!!
Written By: Pastor Benedict Eghan
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