As I was listening to the sermon on Sunday, I was deeply connecting with the story of Peter.  So much zeal.  So much failure. So much that was right.  So much that was wrong. And, at the end (or sort-of the beginning) of the road was his friend and savior, Jesus Christ, with some fish on the BBQ for breakfast asking the obvious question, "Peter, do you love me?"

I can see why Jesus would ask Peter the question.  I can see why Jesus aks me thequestion. "So, Jason, do you love me?" I continue to do and say plenty of things that betray my desire to follow Jesus.   I am zealous . . . and I have failed enormously in ministry.  On Sunday I was so thankful for the question.  I don't believe Jesus asked Peter because he (Jesus) didn't know the answer.  I believe it was for Peter's sake.  Peter got to say to Jesus after his (Peter's) complete collapse of faith, "Jesus, you know I love you."  

I'm grateful Jesus gives me the chance to say to him again, "Jesus, I know that I fail.  I know that I'm not a particularly good follower of you.  But, I love you." And, just like Peter, I'm thankful Jesus calls me into ministry again, "Jason, feed my sheep."  

"Wow!  Really! Me.  But I've denied you, I've acted like you aren't there, I've abandoned my calling, I haven't done things right . . . you still trust me to feed your sheep?  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you."

I'm curious to know your thoughts about the sermon on Sunday.  It was a powerful one for me as I head into another year of ministry.