HOW CAN I BENEFIT FROM A SHORELINE ENCOUNTER?

Pastor Mike Quimby - Session 5 - John 21:17-19- March 28, 2010

NUMBER 3: JESUS WANTS TO SEE A FRESH DIRECTION WITH HIM!


According to the scriptures, as Jesus winds up this Shoreline Encounter, He commands Peter to “Feed My Sheep”. Then Jesus gives us versus 18 & 19. These two verses don’t seem to go with the directive to “Feed My Sheep” John tells us, seemingly out of context, that Jesus gives him versus 18 & 19 to indicate the type of death that Peter is going to die. WHAT? How does that fit here??? But, then Jesus says, “Follow Me!”


I have observed that, in life, we go through five stages:
1. Sport Stage - Through childhood and early teens, we play
2. Structuring Stage - We begin to determine what career, education, or mate we will pursue and then pursue them.
3. Success Stage - We set our sights on acquisition, accomplishment, and achievement.
4. Significance Stage - You come to a point in your life where SUCCESS ceases to be your objective and begin to move toward doing things of SIGNIFICANCE.
5. Survival Stage - This is when you are unable to do the things you once could and you are dependent on others.


In a book called “Half Time,” author Bob Buford builds on the concept that at some point in our mid-life we will have thoughts of moving from SUCCESS to SIGNIFICANCE. At some point in your life, you find yourself at “Half Time” or a “Shore Line,” reviewing the first half and deciding, “Am I going to keep doing the things I am doing; Retreat and give up; or am I going to Respond and change my game plan and make a significant difference?


Here is how I think verses 18 & 19 FIT!


Peter has gone through the Success Stage with seemingly no Success but rather experiencing, what seems to Peter, utter failure. Here is what I interpret that Jesus was saying to Peter: “Peter, you have finished your Self-Directed life toward success. At some point your health will fail and you will not be able to accomplish anything because you will be dependent on others to dress you and lead you where they are willing to take you. SO, give me the balance of your life and let us enjoy a period of SIGNIFICANT MINISTRY. FOLLOW ME!!!!!”


One more note on the original language. The word in the scriptures that has been interpreted as “Feed” my sheep is better interpreted as “Shepherd” my sheep. This word is much more expansive than simply feeding the sheep.


When I travel across the country for conferences, I walk into really nice hotels that sometimes run over $200 per night. (Because of the nature of our business, I must stay at the hotel where our show is being held.) When I arrive, I feel pretty intimidated and apprehensive about the reservations and the cost of the room. I am always thrilled when I hear the words, “Welcome, Mr Quimby, your company has made arrangements and the hotel room and all your needs will be billed directly to them for your stay with us!” In fact, all the staff and vast resources of our company are available to accomplish the objectives of our mission. All I have to do is be willing to go and show up for the gig.


In the same way, if you will accept the DIRECTION that Jesus leads, you can count on this principle: Jesus will not send you anywhere that He has not already been there and made all the necessary arrangements and provided all the necessary resources. You do not have to fear his words: “FOLLOW ME AND LET US MOVE A NEW DIRECTION FROM THIS SHORELINE ENCOUNTER”


My next series will deal with the significance of Easter or with the evilness of tax collectors depending on how this week goes and there is an end to the list of required forms that the IRS keeps expanding. See you next week!