Driving to Alaska from the Lower 48 is a feat of stamina and shows our tolerance for risk, from frost heaves to wild animal impacts along the way. However, the greatest risk is forgetting to top off our tank. At Coldfoot on Alaska’s Dalton Highway, a sign reads, “Next Services 244 Miles.” That’s nearly five hours of hard driving.
In eastern Canada, drive the Trans-Labrador Highway just north of Port Hope Simpson, and the sign reads, “Next Services 410 Km.” That’s 255 miles.
However, it is hard to top the warning along the Trans-Tiaga Road east from James Bay Road, also in eastern Canada. Drivers there need to prep for a 500 km trek to the next fueling station. That works out to 310 miles. Try that in a giant SUV.
This is all a matter of preparation; of planning ahead; of remembering to top off our tank. We don’t want to run out of fuel.
The Christian also has to top off his or her tank. We cannot afford to run on the bottom quarter of our tank. If we do, when we hit a long stretch of highway, we run the risk of running our tank dry, leaving ourselves stranded.
In John 21 Jesus pushed Simon Peter to answer a series of questions. On the surface, all three questions seemed very similar. Yet, they brought about very different responses.
Do you love me?
Yes, Lord, Peter answered. I am your friend. Surely you know that, of all things.
Do you love me?
Lord, I enjoy your company. In fact, I hold no greater fondness for any man.
Do you love me?
This third question cut Simon Peter to the quick. Jesus had lowered his phraseology from a total love (agape) to the love of a friend (phileo). How could Peter respond to that? In that shift in connotation, Peter realized Jesus could look into his inner heart, seeing him as he was.
Peter’s answer? Lord, you know I love you, in every way.
Peter’s future was to one day become the most important foundation stone in the body of Christ. Jesus knew this, and for that reason, his command to him each time was the same: Feed my sheep. He was fueling the station that would replenish those that walked in the Faith.
Jesus was topping off Peter’s tank.
We must work diligently to keep our tanks topped off, for if we let them run dry, we may one day find ourselves stranded along the side of life’s highway, alone and abandoned, with no recourse for help.
Staying close to Jesus keeps our spiritual tank filled to the brim. Then we can refuel those around us who are in need.
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