There are clear pointers the Spirit of the Lord is emphasizing in this new day as we step further into the preparation for that which is ahead. The Lord is calling the Saints to return to the heart of undivided love for the Father. The love of God is the beginning and finishing point of all assignments. Unfortunately, we have the place of the love for God for many things that sounds great and excellent. As the Lord keeps emphasizing our return to the place of his love, we need to remind ourselves of the essence for this so we can develop the response system of yielding.
Peter once again reflects us some extremely critical lessons we need to put into consideration as the Spirit of the Lord brings us to terms with the state and condition of our hearts. Our Love for the Lord is the pointer towards the position where our motive and agendas get to be scrutinized if indeed, we are prepared in honesty to represent the intention of the Father. Peter was asked three times if he loves the Lord, and his answer toward the question defines the visionary assignment. The same way the Lord probed the heart of Peter He is also probing our motives today. The third-day ministry is a ministry of heart and not of the head.
15 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [others do--with total commitment and devotion]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [b]love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 Again He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with total commitment and devotion]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]?” Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you [really] [c]love Me [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend]?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.