Friday, April 19, 2024

Hard Questions


Hard questions make us squirm. They are not usually difficult to answer in the sense of being complex and hard to understand, rather, it’s a moral issue we would much rather ignore. We know the truth, but we don’t want to admit it because if we answer honestly, we’re going to have to confess we’re not quite as perfect as we think. 

A few weeks after his resurrection from the dead, Jesus had breakfast with his disciples on the beach of the Sea of Galilee. After they had finished eating, Jesus took aside one of his more influential followers, Peter. For most of Jesus’ ministry, Peter had been considered if not the leader of the 12 apostles, one of those who were closest to Jesus. But when his loyalty to Jesus had been questioned, Peter failed miserably. In fact, he failed the test three times within the space of a few hours. 

The conversation Jesus had with Peter consisted of one hard question: “Do you love me more than anyone or anything else in this world?” It was a question of commitment; it was a question meant to confront Peter with who was #1 in his life. Considering recent events, that was the hardest question for Peter to answer. It forced him to face his own moral helplessness and depend completely on the mercy and grace of Jesus. 

“Who do you love most?” It’s a question Jesus asks us all. As the one true God who came in human form to execute the Rescue Mission for all of eternity, he has the right to ask us that question. He comes to us not as a genie, or a guru, or an advisor, or even a buddy – he comes to us as Savior and Lord. We receive him as such, or he can do nothing for us. 

“Who do you love most?” If you’re having difficulty answering that question, join us for our worship service this Sunday. Together, let’s see how the resurrection of Jesus Christ helps to answer that hard question. 

                                      Sunday Morning Worship – 10:00 am 

Hawaii Lutheran Church (WELS)

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Honolulu, HI
Community Lutheran Church holds protestant chapel services in Honolulu, Hawaii near Pearl Harbor, HI. We are next to the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hickam Air Force Base, and Fort Shafter Hawaii. Look for us directly behind the Salt Lake, Hawaii, Target.