Jul 9, 2017
Many times we don’t understand the work that God has for us. We don’t understand that the most important thing we can do in this life is to take care of each other. Jesus responded that the two greatest commandments were to Love God and to Love our fellow human beings. Without this love, we can do nothing of value in the world. This week’s episode will be a guided meditation on John 21:15-17. I recommend that you get into a comfortable chair where you can sit uninterrupted for 20 minutes.
Introduction:
As you do that I want to thank you for listening. I am blown away by the recent spike in people who have joined us in the last couple weeks. We have had hundreds of downloads. I am grateful for this and I have realized the power that you all have in helping to share this message. So if you find this meditation helpful please share it with 10 other people. I am glad that everyone I have shared it with has responded so positively.
I am also on iTunes now. and I would greatly appreciate reviews there. It helps make this content more searchable. I have included the link here in the show notes below
Outline review: Relaxation to increase focus on God, scripture to meditate on, prayer for inspiration and guidance, contemplative worship, and visualization of change.
Relaxation exercise to reduce distraction:
Notice your breathing. Allow it to slow. Feel your stomach gently expand. Breath in for 5 seconds, gently hold it for 5 seconds, then let it out for 5 seconds.
Bible verses for meditation:
15 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, “Feed my lambs.”
16 He said to him 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, “Tend my sheep.”
17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, 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 everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
Meditate on the meaning of scripture:
Reflect on the key verse, phrase or word that stuck out to you.
We find this story occurring right after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Peter, unsure what to do goes back to what he knows, fishing. Due to the friendship that the apostles have developed and his leadership role, they follow him. While they are doing this they saw a man on the shore. He told them where to cast their nets. As they did this they brought in a huge catch of fish. Peter recognized Jesus and dove into the water to swim to him. After that we see this gentle but powerful rebuke by Jesus. He is building the men who will lead His earthly kingdom, with His guidance. The Apostles don’t understand this yet.
The metaphor is not lost to John. The efforts of man are unprofitable, but when guided by Jesus, they can bring in results greater than they could have imagined. Even after witnessing His ministry, these humble men don’t know how to run a church or bolster a fledgling Jesus movement. They aren’t sure what to do, so they do what they are comfortable with. Jesus does not let them stay comfortable.
Jesus’ simple repeated question now rings in our ears. Do we love God? If so what are we doing about it? What are we willing to do about it? What is the greatest thing we could do if we allow Jesus to guide us through our discomfort? What is the greatest thing you can imagine God doing through you?
Meditative Prayer on the impressions received:
Pray as the Spirit directs.
Contemplative Meditation
Sit in awe of the Glory of God as you would a beautiful work of art or a grad mountain view.
Visualization of Godly Change:
As fully as possible visualize what that change would look like in your life. How can you bless the lives of others? Make it as tangible as possible. Commit to sharing these insights with 7 people.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me for this meditation. I hope you have found it valuable. If you did the way you can pay it forward is by sharing this content with 7 people who you feel need this message. You can share a number of different links: FaceBook, iTunes, or on Chistianmeditationpodcast.com.
Our lives should be dedicated to helping others. In our profession, in our personal lives, and in our spiritual service we should maintain the view that what we do can bless others. Jesus showed Peter directly what he wanted for him. We can be guided to fill the niche in this world that God has in mind for us. You can bless the lives of those around you and participate in the healing work of God by sharing this content.
