Valentine’s Day

“…‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV UK) 

Every year on Valentine’s Day I buy my wife a card and a bouquet of her favourite flowers. Then we head out to a special restaurant for a great lunch. We don’t do these things just because it’s expected or because we’re going through the motions. Instead, we make the extra effort because it’s a great opportunity to make our love tangible to each other.

One of the ways Jesus did just that can be found in John Chapter 21, where, after the Resurrection, the Disciples were out fishing on the Sea of Galilee. They had been working all night. And they hadn’t had much luck. Tired and hungry, they were about to give up. But Jesus did two things. He directed them to a huge shoal of fish. And then, he called out to them from the beach, “Come and have breakfast” (John 21:12).

As they gathered around the fire and began to eat, Jesus asked Peter three times: “Do you love me?” And three times in a row, Peter replied: “Yes, Lord.” Jesus then gave him a mission, “Feed my lambs—take care of my sheep—feed my sheep.” What I really enjoy about this scene is the way Christ makes love tangible to his disciples. He extends to them his and his Father’s love by seeking them out and calling them to himself. He blesses their work, telling them where to catch the most fish. And finally, he even makes them breakfast!

But, further, with his repeated questions and his accompanying missional ‘assignments’, Christ gives Peter a way to transform his love from something he “says” into something he “does.” He is given a way to express to others the love he has received from Jesus.

This year I want to remind us of the way Christ received love from his Heavenly Father, and lived out his perfect love for us—by showing us the Father and sending the Spirit—through patient, humble service to others.

I want to wish you a very happy Valentine’s Day and pray that the Lord continues to bless all your relationships.

Prayer
Loving Father, our human relationships so often mirror the spiritual relationships you have with us. Your love for us has made us new creations in your sight. No longer the sinners but now the very sons and daughters of God. Help us to live up to that calling, Holy Father, we pray. In Jesus’ name we ask.
Amen 

Study by Joseph Tkach

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About the Author:
Joseph Tkach is the President of Grace Communion International (the Denominational name of The Worldwide Church of God UK), and resides in California, USA. You are welcome to attend one of our local Church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland.  For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, www.wcg.org.uk under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

Contact:
Email:  admin@daybyday.org.uk