Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1922-07-01

ETsea ~ va place IN the con-
vent through the years, and now that
she had come back II was awaiting
her. She slipped back into her old
position and few knew she had ever
gone away.
The late DR.. J. Wilbur Chapman
used 10 tell this story TO illustrate
Gods gracious way of restoring his
errlDg saints. In our text we have
one of the great scriptural examples
of such gracious restoration, from
which all may take comfort.
Christ inquiries OF Peter. simon.
son of Jonas, lowest thou me more
than theseT' Peter had protested that
though all others might forsake
Christ. he would never leave Him.
But he had shown, too sadly, that he
did not love his Master more than
these" How Christ's question must
have rebuked him. Ard In his reply
II Is to be noted that all the old spirit
OF Boosting is gone and there is no
claim To love Christ more thnn others
love Him.
some searching Questions.
Peters humility Is shown In another
way In Christ's question. the word
used for love. In the original. indi-
Gates an unSeliish love which expects
no return-the love of friendship.
When Peter replies. he uses a lower
word for love. indicating II personal.
clinglne affection which seeks return.
In other words, he has ceased TO
boast of his love, not only us 10 guam
tity. but also as to quality. lie only
dares To assert he Is fond of Jesus
Moreover. the third time Jesus in
quired as To Simon's love. He used
the same word. In the original. which
Peter had been using as If 10 say
Are you sure you have even this
lower kind of love- that you are even
fond Of me?" No wonder Peter was
grieved when Christ said unto him
the third time. Lowest thou meT He
can only reply: Lord. thou know
est all things: thou knowest that !
love thee" Peter feels he has so
failed In showing his love that only
his Lord, who knows all things. can
see 1t
But let us not lose sight of the
grace underlying the searching ques-
tions of Christ Thrice had Peter de-
MED Him In public. and he Is here
given the privilege of thrice publicly
confesslng Him.
But our text deals not only with
hut nj AL 10
commission, Feed my lambs" Indeed,
after both the second and third con.
LESSONS, Christ says: Feed CIR. v.
tendl my sheep" These are the lambs
and sheep for whom the Great Shep-
herd died. What Il great evidence of
His love for Peter and of the conf
dence He reposes In the once erring
disciple. that He will commit TO his
care those who are so precious to
Him. Christ had said to Peter be-
fore his fall: when thou art con-
verted, strengthen thy brethren" Now
that Peter has been converted. or
turned. and knows his own weakness,
he is preparing TO help others. II
has been beautifully said: when
brought 10 nothing. He can use US
In our nothingness. and when He can
use us, He will"
The Privilege Of Martyrdom.
There is still another way In which
Christs grace was manifested toward
Simon on the occasion we are consid-
ering, although II Is sometimes not
appreciated After the third confess
sion. Jesus said: when thou vast
young thou girdedst myself. and walk
edst whittier thou wouldest but when
thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch
forth thy hands. and another shall
grid thee, and carry thee whittier
thou wouldcst not" John explains:
This spoke he. signifylng by what
death he should glorify God" Tradi-
ton tells us that Peter was crucified
head downward. since he did not feel
worthy To be upright on his cross as
was his Lord. Not all would covet
such death. but II is TO he recalled
that Peter had boosted Of his willing
ness TO die for Christ and then had
miserably failed. How he must have
appreciated the opportunity OF making
good even ut this point
The nun In the story only got back
her position. but Peter was advanced
from being Fisher of men" to be-
ing shepherd of the flock of God
who shall receive the crown OF
glory" aud martyr, who shall re-
celve the "crown of life" With what
new meaning may we sing: lie re-
storeth my soul! !"