Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1922-09-28

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never provoke an inquiry of doubt.
The man Intercepted was the fore
most apostle. distinguished by wonder
full experiences. A rough, uncultured,
profane fisherman, he was one day
introduced to Jesus. His life was never
again the same. A mighty, tenacious
love went out of Peters soul towards
this wonderful new-found friend who,
though he had only seen, held him
with an irresistible charm. He had
not long to wait before the opportu-
nifty to indulge his love was presented.
Jesus came Unexpectedly upon him
and his fishing partners, washing up
be an evangelist in the words Of this
pronouncement: "Follow me, and l
will make you to become fishers of
men,"
For more than three years Peter
kept most intimate company with
Jesus, devoted, energetic, faithful In
the work of winning men. Again and
again his love breaks through all con-
venti0nalties and displays its iri-
descent beauty and strength to won
dering fellow disciples. Love admits
him to an inner circle of mystic word
and deed. Love intensifies his soul
vision, until he beholds the Son OF
the living God, clad In the homespun
Of Galilean peasant, hidden behind
the form OF a sinful man. With strong
est affirmation he confesses his faith.
Love went up the snow-capped height
the promised MessIanic kingdom. Love
penetrated the dark, awful shadow OF
Gethsemane where he saw the pro-
phetic agony of the cross. Oh, what
love poured out of this great, rugged
soul upon Jesus. Then came tragic
scene. It were inexplicable had we
too not been guilty. Years of won-
drous fellowship and faithfulness are
followed by moments Of denial and re-
nunciation. How can 1t be? He who
had loved with intense devotion, with
burning passion, with sacrificial aban-
don, now strangely declares: Il know
not the man. Why. Peter? How
can you say such thing? You have
just boosted of your love-that II all
the world should forsake Christ you
would die for Him. He meant 1t. too. 1t
was no idle speculation, but he made
that profession in the company of his
Master-now the scenes have shifted
1t is Pilates court room--Jesus Is on
trial. Enemies surround Him, not a
friend in sight Peter Is seized with
fear-horrible. deadly fear. He Is ter
rified, panicky disoriented. Sudden
ly he is accused Of consorting with
the prisoner at the bar. He hardly
knows what he says, but weak and
captive to impulse, he denies any
knowledge Of Jesus. Three times In
few brief. passing moments, he pro-
tests any association with Christ
Could any conduct be stranger? How
could q man really love another and
act as Peter? This Is why Jesus asked
the question of our text.
The trial before PLATE was ended
Condemned as a blasphemer against
God and the temple, Jesus was led
away and crucIfied on Calvary's lonely
hill. have always supposed Peter was
there lurking somewhere in the shad-
ows. Love drew him to that awful
spectacle. We know he went to the
tomb in Joseph's garden and saw the
place where the Lord had lain, but
He had risen. Almost breathlessly he
waited for that promised meeting In
Galilee. 1t came. The disciples, the
Master no longer with them, go fish
ing. Back to boats, nets and the sea
after all the thrilling experiences they
had shared A night of fruitless toll;
skilled fishermen though they were,
morning dawns upon them, hungry,
tired, perplexed, close to despair A
stranger on the shore breaks the ST.
Slence. He asks for fish. They think
Him a chance customer. Alas, they
have no stock in trade. Oh but hold
a minute, John has recognized you,
traveller ut is the Lord" Quick
rs flash Peter is overheard swim
ming ashore-loye could not wait the
drag of oars. He must see Jesus. Face
to face, Master and disciple, Jesus
thrice asks this searching question:
do you love me?" Peter. in peni-
tence and humility processes his love:
Thou knowest that love thee"
Three times he was permitted to de-
clare his love. Jesus gave him pro-
grant is that of the shepherd. The
question Of the text is answered In
two ways:
l. A Profession. Jesus wanted Peter
to say that he loved Him. He had
denied Him with false and blasphe-
nous language. now he longed to hear
him declare his love.
2. A Program. Loves language Is
deeds, as well as words. The profess
sion must be tested by program. III
2ou loev me, keep my commandments"
Obedience" Is the attitude Of love-
service" Ia its attestation.