Good morning, special people.
I need to depart soon to have brakes checked and then show up for a doctor appointment at 9:45am in Silverton. I will not be surprised to find some “black ice” conditions on the roads.
My doctor visit will include a blood draw—so I need to be fasting. I guess my system has become accustomed to morning coffee, because without it this morning my head is not working very well, and I’m having to cope with drowsiness. Oh well.
Time to get. Blessings on your day.
Love, Dad/Ray.
Allow me to draw your attention again to John 21—our reading from yesterday. Remember where Jesus asked the question of Peter, “Do you love me?” Greek scholars tell us that two distinct concepts are used by Jesus, both of which are translated “love” in English. The first is AGAPE (agapao) which I think can well be paraphrased as intelligent commitment love. It has roots in the will—it’s choice driven. The second word translated “love” in Jesus’ question to Peter is PHILEO (phileos). It is more of an emotionally based friendship or fellowship love. I think it is clear to us that both are required in our relationship with our Lord. I wish to draw special attention to the latter. I believe Jesus was asking Peter—and asking us today, “Have you yet found what I have come to make available…personal enjoyment in your relationship with me? Are we bonded by friendship?”
Think of it. You and I have the privilege of friendship and fellowship with God. He is not just an austere, transcendent, and Almighty heavenly God up there somewhere. He is EMMANUEL (Matthew 1:23). “And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ” (1:3). He is a wonderful ever-present PERSONAL Savior. And “if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin” (1:7). What a deal!
If you have your hymnal nearby, let’s turn to page 237 and sing together, FRIENDSHIP WITH JESUS. Well, here—I’ll just print it out: