WHEN WE DON’T UNDERSTAND GOD’S WAYS Human thinking and the example of Peter – Part 1

Byadmin

Human thinking is often inadequate when weighing spiritual matters. Much like a baby learning to walk or talk or run, we begin with baby steps in spiritual insight.  But we do grow as we take time in God’s word, prayer, and seeking knowledge of the Lord.  In that growing, God in his love and kindness steps in to help us.  Peter, a leading disciple, rebuked Jesus for saying he would suffer and die on the cross.  Although Peter lacked an understanding of God’s plan, he grew in spiritual understanding and became a powerhouse of faith.  His example gives me encouragement for the times I don’t understand what God is up to.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,

Declares the LORD.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are

my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ 

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

BE IN THE WORD DAILY

Lay a foundation to your day by spending time in the Word.

We have the knowledge for understanding God at our fingertips.  The more we are in the word the more we will know and understand the things of God.  Understanding comes through the Scriptures.  It’s alive!  It’s active in us (Hebrews 4:12).   God’s word transforms our thinking as we seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.   We get the Word into us so it will pour out of us in times of need.

The Word will keep us on the right paths, in right relationships, right living, and ready for eternal life. 

The Sunday School song from my childhood still rings true.  Read your Bible, pray every day, and you’ll grow, grow, grow!  

Our knowledge deepens as we live in the Word, hear the secrets revealed, and gain spiritual understanding.

 

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work

in you will carry it on to completion until the day of

Christ Jesus.  Philippians 1:6

 

GROW IN KNOWLEDGE

Hosea 4:6 “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”  They ignored God’s words (our Scriptures today). God’s people are ruined because they don’t know God’s values and are lacking spiritual understanding.

The good news is we can become better at understanding God’s ways. We have God’s Word, but we also have the Holy Spirit to teach and guide.  

 

PETER KNEW JESUS WAS THE MESSIAH

Matthew 16:13-22

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”  16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 

 

JESUS COMMENDS PETER CONFESSION OF JESUS AS MESSIAH

17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.”

Jesus commended Peter. He didn’t gain that knowledge from another person or an educational system (flesh and blood).   It was revealed supernaturally to Peter “by my Father in heaven.” 

PETER’S UNDERSTANDING WAS LIMITED.

21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.  22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”  Matthew 16:21-23

Peter firmly believed that Jesus was God, the Messiah.  But when Jesus began to speak of his suffering and death (Matthew 16:21), he rebuked Jesus.   “You’re the promised Messiah!”  “You won’t have to suffer.”  “You can’t be killed.”  “That’s no way to talk, Jesus.”  “This will never happen to you, Jesus.”

A human logical assumption could be that the Messiah came to set up the kingdom of Israel and rid the nation of Roman rule.  When Jesus said he had to suffer and die, Peter’s thoughts fell short of God’s plan.

JESUS REBUKE PETER

23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’

Peter’s human thinking was a “stumbling block” to Jesus.  It was offensive.  HIs human thinking, though motivated by his love for Jesus, was diabolically opposing the wisdom of God’s plan.  Peter, in his rebuke to Jesus, directly opposed God’s highest wisdom and greatest knowledge. Peter opposed and misunderstood God’s perfect will for redemption’s plan. Peter’s motive of love, though pure and good, traveled alongside the human deceitfulness of the heart (Jeremiah 17:9). Within resides selfish, earthly, and unspiritual thoughts.  

 WAR BETWEEN THE FLESH AND SPIRIT

Peter knew who Jesus was, the Son of God.  But his spiritual perception was still limited.  His knowledge was elementary.  But as in all of us, there are times we are led by the Holy Spirit and times we are led by the flesh. There is a war between the spiritual and the flesh, between human thought and spiritual understanding. Growing in spiritual perception takes time and effort. It’s a normal pattern of growth for all of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus. We struggle in letting the Spirit lead over the flesh. 

Paul writes in Romans 7, I do not do the good I want to do.  There’s another law at work that makes me a prisoner.  Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me (Romans 7: 14-25). 

Thankfully, in our struggle to live for God, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).  We have the work of the Holy Spirit within to teach us and lead us to a greater spiritual depth and understanding.  With that work of the Spirit, we grow and develop our minds set on what the Spirit desires (Romans 8:5b). 

 

                                              Photo from Eastern Lightning 

 

PETER DEVELOPED KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

After Jesus rose, Peter was forgiven for his denial of Jesus and commissioned by Jesus to shepherd the flock.  Peter preached at Pentecost and 3000 people were saved.  With a vision from God to change his thinking, he was sent to the Gentiles, to Cornelius.  This vision changed his understanding that God’s salvation was not only for the Jews but for the entire world (Acts 10).  More on this in Part 2.

Peter did many miracles through God’s power. He was freed from prison by an angel.  He wrote 1 and 2 Peter. 

A spiritual work continues as our human yields to God’s will.  The more we seek God, the more we will understand. The more the Spirit works in us the more the flesh subsides.   Our knowledge deepens as we live in the Word, hear the secrets revealed, and gain spiritual understanding. Peter’s understanding unfolded more and more as he followed Jesus.   Peter’s limited knowledge of Jesus grew into effective and productive maturity.

God’s generous grace has deposited in us everything we need for life and complete devotion and living in a divine partnership with God.  So devote yourself to growing your faith in increasing measure in the knowledge of the Lord.   And MAKE EVERY EFFORT to add these growth qualities in INCREASING MEASURE.

For this very reason,

make every effort to add to your faith goodness;

and to goodness, knowledge;

 and to knowledge, self-control;

 and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to

mutual affection, love.  For if you

possess these qualities in increasing measure,

they will keep you from

being ineffective and unproductive

 in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Peter 1:5-8

 

For the conclusion continue to PART 2, JESUS HELPS US UNDERSTAND GOD’S PLAN (Peter’s example).

 

 

 

 

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A Dream Come True?

Byadmin

When God opens a door of opportunity, it’s not always easy to walk through. Writing is a learned craft and one that hasn’t come easy for me. I love preaching, but the writing was a different kind of animal. Thankfully, I am learning.

I attended a Writer’s Conference in May with many experts, publishers, editors, teachers, professional writers, and regular people like me who are still learning the craft. The conference assembled to praise the Lord, get acquainted, and learn from the varied multitude of teachers and informative sessions. Besides all the contacts, handouts, and training, I came away with the confidence to pursue my dream of writing a book. Yeah! I’ve started.

Another surprise was an invitation to join the writer’s team of Christianity.com, an online magazine. My first article was published on June 3. Here’s the link:  https://www.christianity.com/wiki/church/is-there-a-correct-way-to-biblically-tithe.html. 

Is there something that you have dreamed about doing and just haven’t put in the work to learn the craft? Don’t give up. Go for it and remember God will provide all you need to accomplish the task, with a bit of learning, no, a lot of learning along the way. 

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Proverbs 37:4

Guarding Against the Pied Piper of the World

Byadmin

I’ve discovered a God-secret! The enemy, skilled at making things attractive to the eye of our soul, seeks ways to play on our passions, luring us away from God’s direction. A safeguard against “giving in” to popular cultural values and opinions is to be immersed in Scripture. The tale of Hamelin may be a helpful illustration.

AN ANALOGY – THE TALE OF HAMELIN

The Pied Piper Kate Greenaway for Robert Browning’s The Pied Piper of Hamelin

With a plague of rats, the German town of Hamelin hired the Pied (multi-colored) Piper, whose hypnotic notes from his magical flute led the rats out of town and into the river. However, after the city refused to pay for his services, the Piper quickly devised a vengeful plan; he enchanted the 130 village children and led them away, never to be seen again.

Like the duped children who followed the Pied Piper, the Deceiver of our soul allures us to follow the crowd’s values. Those values often oppose God’s values for marriage, life, relationships, work ethics, and godliness. Jesus described the accepted worldly values as the broad road to destruction. Jesus also said those who love the Word and do the Father’s will find the “narrow road” that leads to heaven.

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

The children of Hamelin were caught up in the moment. They didn’t listen to their parents’ warnings about strangers. Instead, they followed the crowd that led them on the “wide road” to destruction.

Like those children, it’s easy to follow the crowd and disregard God’s warnings in Scripture. Our human nature is easily swayed with a propensity to wander off the narrow road. We follow what our eyes see, fleshly desires, or are caught up in thinking we are someone who doesn’t need God’s commands.

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but from this world (1 John 2:16).

ESCAPE THE DECEIVER

Without the strength of God’s presence and His guiding principles, we will fall prey to the Pied-Piper-like enemy of our souls. He roams about seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

God gives the promise: when we dwell in his Word, we guard against sin. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11).

To escape the Deceiver, seeking God through the Bible will keep us on the narrow path to heaven and alert to the world’s values.

God’s Word is a weapon against the enemy of our soul. Jesus defined our Bibles as more important than our daily food because every word of Scripture comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

Without developing a more profound knowledge of Scripture, my perception is dull. My emotions fool me. Human thinking, peer pressure, and attractive pleasures call my name. I need help to be alert and guard against the world’s ways. As a genuine seeker of God, I’m not above deception. But a sure defense is to examine closely God’s word. It “teaches me to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:12).

Too often, I act as if I’m smarter than I am–doing things my way instead of what God has commanded. My self-talk excuses my actions. Popular opinions influence me incorrectly. Being accepted by the crowd sways my thoughts. When I listen and give in to popular views of cultural voices that oppose God’s values, I’m joining the “wide road” travelers.

Learning and obeying God’s Word fends off worldly opinions. My love for God deepens. Obedience comes so much easier. Then, the narrow road appeals to me. God grants grace and favor.

As I remain in God’s Word, my lifestyle more readily conforms to God’s nature.

As the Psalmist wrote, I delight in Your commandments because I love them (Psalm 119:147). And, when I love them, God knows I love Him! The more I love Him, the more I obey. And, it’s a joy!

The measure of my love for God deepens as I grow in understanding the God of Scripture.

Wide and Narrow Road Paul Beckmann 1866

The Cultural Research Center (CRC) at Arizona Christian University, and Dr. George Barna, the Director of Research, surveyed the state of Christianity in America in 2021. According to Barna, the statistics say many Christians shape their beliefs based NOT on Scripture but popular opinion, “Christianity in this nation is rotting from the inside out.” According to Barna, three out of four American Christians fall into the ranks of this new philosophy, and the most popular worldview is called Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD). Barna describes this new belief system as “watered-down, feel-good, fake Christianity.” https://www.assistnews.net/christianity-in-america-rotting-from-the-inside-out/

Moralistic Therapeutic Deists beliefs:

  • 95% do not agree success in life is consistent with obedience to God.
  • 91% do not believe people are born into sin. Salvation through Jesus is unnecessary.
  • 88% of primary moral guidance is from various sources, not the Bible.
  • 76% of people earn a place in heaven through being good (no need for Jesus’ death and resurrection).
  • 75% do not believe God is the basis of all truth.
  • 74% believe in karma.
  • 71% do not think the Bible is the truth from God.

These stats are very troubling! But, there’s a remedy. Learning and applying the Scripture keeps us off the wide road and guards against the Deceiver of our soul.

BUILD YOUR DEFENSES LOVING THE WORD EACH DAY

Carving out a daily time in the Word takes determination. Living a life that pleases God takes dedication. It’s a struggle to fight the flesh and worldly values, but it’s possible. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments (2 Corinthians 10:4, NLT).

Through Scripture, we learn wisdom for life in every aspect – relationships, business, spiritual growth, parenting, marriage, church life, problem-solving and more. Without knowledge of the Scripture, it’s like using a dull ax. We lack wisdom for everyday life and the temptations that come.

Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed (Ecclesiastes 10:10). The knowledge of Scripture equips with overcoming power to recognize and avoid the world’s attractions and the Deceiver’s traps.

GET WISDOM

In the New Testament, Jude writes to “contend (struggle, work for it) for the faith, or “sharpen the blade.” Learning and applying Scripture will develop the strength to overcome the world’s arguments and philosophies as it trains in wise choices.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

The children followed the Pied Piper to their destruction. Instead of listening to their parents, they listened to the crowd. We can learn an excellent lesson in how to please the Father by the example of Jesus. He told the Deceiver, the Devil, Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Jesus did the will of the Father and overcame the Devil. So can we when we fight, armed with the Word.

SHOW GOD YOU LOVE HIM BY LOVING THE WORD

Loving God’s Word IS loving God (every word is from the mouth of God).

Unlike the village children that followed the crowd to their death, growing in the Word gives spiritual power to overcome the world’s values, philosophies, and sins. Loving the Word is the best defense against the world’s Pied-Piper-Deceiver. Loving the words of the Bible will build confidence in walking on the narrow road to heaven.

Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

Psalm 119:165

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A Song in the Night Season

Byadmin

The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life (Psalm 42:8 NIV).

Sometimes a new song doesn’t do it! But often, a familiar song will. Singing a song multiple times causes it to rise in my spirit; the God-breathed part of me, like an anchor, dropped in the ocean’s depths of the real me.

As a child of God, I am the temple of the Holy Spirit “who lives in me” (1 Corinthians 6:19). What I put into my heart and mind, whether a spiritual song or a scripture, may revive in the night seasons of life. And what was once buried in my spirit, at the moment needed, with the attending, gentle work of the Holy Spirit, surfaces with a melodious breath of life — like a song.

landscape photo of snow covered mountains

Our son, Tom, finished his senior year of high school mid-year, and his friend Dominique, an exchange student from Switzerland, invited him to his home. On a trip of a lifetime, Tom took his snowboard and was off. We didn’t know about all the adventures these young men would face.

On a Sunday after church, a few days before Tom was to fly home, we received a call from Dominique’s mom that shook our insides. Tom and Dominique were snowboarding in the mountains, and Tom had fallen and was flown by a medical helicopter to a Swiss hospital. Stunned, we immediately cried out to the Lord.

The high cost of flight tickets, because of short notice, and with Tom scheduled to fly home in four days, made us uncertain of what to do.

Time for bed came, but sleep was fleeting, and I found myself in the living room weeping before the Lord. I was concerned about Tom being alone in a foreign country, his severe injuries, and wondering if he could fly home as scheduled. And my heart longed to be with him.

In those heartache moments, an old song from years past came flooding into my thoughts, and I knew God was speaking: “I believe the answer’s on the way. I believe the Lord has heard me pray. Cast not away your confidence, says the Lord of Hosts. Now, by faith in Him alone, I stand, firmly held by His Almighty hand. Fully trusting in His promise, praise the Lord.”

Like a miracle, the Holy Spirit told me to stand firm and not cast my confidence away but trust God. In those divine moments, God’s comfort and peace brought the assurance I needed: Tom would get home safely. I went back to bed and was able to sleep.

The sweetness of the Holy Spirit in those precious moments assures you and me that He is with us: “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8: 16). That part of me that never dies is connected to the Holy Spirit and He is the Helper, Comforter, Guide, and Truth-teller. He intercedes for us in our times of need (Romans 8:26) and brings things to our remembrance: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).

A constant stream of praise music and scriptures and experiencing God’s presence, like treasures, are buried deep into our spirit. In those night seasons of life, the Holy Spirit, living within, brings to remembrance exactly what is needed to face and get through the challenging and fearful days.

You may wonder what happened to Tom.

We had a call from the Swiss hospital. A nurse said, “hold a minute,” and then Tom was on the phone. He was hard to understand because of the neck brace that didn’t give his mouth much room for talking. Initially, they thought he had broken his neck, but thankfully, he hadn’t.

We were thrilled and relieved when Tom’s flight arrived home, complete with a neck brace, his luggage, and a large snowboard. Tom was on heavy medication and sleeping soundly on the flight. Thankfully, a little girl angel woke him, or he would have kept flying to who knows where.

In that night season, God spoke through an old song I hadn’t sung for years: “I Believe the Answer’s On the Way.” But the Holy Spirit, “who brings all things to remembrance,” gave me the precious gift of knowing God was working, “Now, by faith in Him alone, I stand, firmly held by His Almighty hand. Fully trusting in His promise, praise the Lord.”

Dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit

While waiting for Tom to come home, I kept rehearsing that song either out loud or in my mind. Each time it reminded me of God’s promise: I could trust Him! Although we were in South Dakota and Tom was in Switzerland, almost 5000 miles apart, it posed no problem for our everywhere-present God.

The more we plant in the good soil of our spirit the spiritual songs, Bible verses, and hymns of praise, we can expect the Holy Spirit to connect with us in our times of need and speak peace. We are admonished in Ephesians 6:19: “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” 

In a night season, Paul and Silas, in prison for preaching the gospel, began singing hymns to God at midnight. A violent earthquake shook the place, opened the prison doors, and everyone’s chains fell off. The jailer called for the lights, rushed in, and fell trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas, asking, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:25-29). A night season was transformed by the hymns of praise that rose from their spirit.

I’m so thankful we are connected with the Holy Spirit who “lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:17), especially when we need a song in the night season.

By the way, if you were moved by this story of God’s faithfulness, I invite you to listen to my YouTube channel Weekend Worship video entitled, “Jesus, You’re My Song .” https://youtu.be/3J1SmcuZqmg  

Listening to it today reminded me that Jesus is “the sunshine on a rainy day”—during the hard days of life. He’s “the light that lights the darkest way”—when we are confused and feeling lost. Jesus is “my strength when mine has slipped away,” feeling weary of the battle, and “Jesus is my song!” So, “I’ll praise Him all day long because He’s the answer to my life, and He’s my song.”

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ADDED

Byadmin

You will find more of my music on youtube.  Simply type in my name, judy mceachran, or go to the links below.  There’s more information about each song on the Music page here in the blog, or on the youtube song descriptions.  May these worship tunes bring peace and joy in your times of worship.   More songs are soon on the way!

We Praise You, Lord  https://youtu.be/fjFojlKnEDA

O God, I Praise You   https://youtu.be/J8GHt26opFw

Be Still   https://youtu.be/L6JC-RUKBYg

Almighty God   https://youtu.be/MGPzu7nsxAc

Shalom Lullaby  https://youtu.be/N3mM-oiS0tA

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Lingering in the Lord’s Presence Reveals God’s Power and Glory

Byadmin

Often, we may think that lingering in God’s presence is not a good use of time. With many necessary responsibilities in a day, why linger? However, time in God’s presence brings many benefits. Our ears are open to hearing God’s voice, our eyes see the glory of God, our minds are renewed, and our hearts become transformed. And we gain the confidence that God wins our battles. Joshua is a good example for us. God’s glory and presence shaped Joshua’s life.

God called Moses, the elders, and Joshua to the mountain to ratify the covenant between God and Israel. Together with God, “they ate and drank together.” Leaving the elders, Moses and Joshua went further up the mountain and entered God’s presence, and saw the glory of the Lord (Exodus 24:9-18).

At the “tent of meeting” when Moses and God spoke “face to face, Joshua heard the conversation inside the tent. When Moses left, Joshua lingered.

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent (Exodus 33:11).

designed by Judy

Through the forty years in the wilderness, Joshua, confident of God’s presence, was ready to lead the people into the Promised Land. Now standing before Jericho, the doorway into the Promised Land, Joshua looked up and saw a man in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” The man replied, “Neither, but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. (Joshua 5:14-15).

Joshua was familiar with the Lord’s voice. He knew the power and glory behind it and was eager to worship, listen, and obey.

He humbly received his orders from the Commander of the armies of heaven, confident in God’s promises to win this battle. Miraculously, the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. The Israelites conquered the city and began their quest for the Promised Land.

Like Joshua, taking time to be present with God, soaking in the glory of His presence through the life-changing encounter with Almighty God, tunes our ears to listen, our hearts to obey, and our minds to be confident in God’s provision. God will fight for us.

Time in God’s presence covers us with God’s favor and deliverance.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11.

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CAN I BE HOLY? PART 1, Peters Example in the Struggle to be Holy

Byadmin

This is the first article in a six-part series on holiness from the books of First and Second Peter.  The word holy may seem lofty, unattainable, or restrictive. But God calls us to holiness, “Be holy because I am holy.”   Peter’s life gives us an example of how God turns an ordinary person, with doubts, fears, into a holy Christ-follower with unshakeable, obedient faith.  His life and writings give impetus to the truth that we, too, can live a holy life.

PETER fell at the feet of Jesus, “Go away from me; I am a sinful man.” That didn’t stop Jesus from taking Peter from a rough diamond and turning him into a faceted rock-solid gem that sparkled with the light of Christ.   Peter was transformed from a faithless fisherman to a forceful follower who didn’t back down from opposition or persecution.  

Let’s look at his story.

Peter Called by Jesus

Andrew brought his brother Simon to meet Jesus.  Upon seeing him,  Jesus said, “You are Simon, but you will be called Peter, the rock” (John 1:42).

On another occasion, Jesus climbed into Peter’s boat.  After a long, barren night of fishing, a word from Jesus brought fish swarming across the 13-mile fresh-water lake into Simon’s nets.   Awestruck by this miracle and captivated by a smile that conveyed a love deeper than the Sea of Galilee, Simon put away his nets, climbed out of the boat, and followed Jesus.  

fish

Peter’s Proclamation of Jesus the Messiah

When many disciples turned away, Peter proclaimed Jesus the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Mark 8:29, Matt 16:16, Luke 9:20).  “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:60-69).  A shining moment for Peter!

In one overzealous, not-so-shining-moment, Peter rebuked Jesus for saying he would be crucified.  “Far be it from you, Lord!”  “This shall never happen to you” (Matthew 16:22).  Jesus called Peter a stumbling block because he didn’t have in mind the things of God. 

Peter’s Denial of Jesus

The disciples gathered at the last supper when Jesus announced a betrayer was among them.  Peter boasted he would never betray nor deny Jesus. But Jesus knew otherwise, “You will deny Me three times before the rooster crows” (Luke 22:33,34).

It happened just as Jesus said.  Later that night, the soldiers arrested Jesus while he and his disciples were praying.  Peter, trying to defend Jesus, chopped off the ear of the high priest’s servant, still unaware of the redemption plan.   Jesus healed the servant’s ear and told Peter, “No more of this.”

Peter followed Jesus to Pilate’s courtyard, but his courage soon dissipated when three people recognized him as a disciple. Peter’s “I’ll never deny you, Jesus” soon became, “I don’t know the man.”  The rooster crowed.   Jesus turned, and Peter’s eyes were caught in His gaze.  At that very moment,  the torment of guilt and shame overcame Peter.  In agony,  he fled as hot tears streamed down his cheeks (Luke 22:54-62). 

Following the death of Jesus, the disciples hid, fearful of the Jews.

On the Sabbath, the women who had gone with spices to the tomb of Jesus hurried back to report to the disciples the tomb was empty.  Peter and John ran to the tomb.  They looked in, struggling to make sense of it all. (Luke 24:1-12).  Uncertain, they returned to their familiar occupation of fishing.

Peter Restoration and Reappointment

Jesus appeared to his perplexed disciples after the resurrection.  On this third appearance, after a strenuous night of fishing,  the disciples heard a call through the morning mist,

“Do you have anything to eat?”

“No,” they answered.

“Throw your nets on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”

Then John smiled and said to Peter, “It is the Lord.”  At once, their nets were so full they were sinking.  Peter grabbed his outer garment and jumped into the water. The other disciples towed the heavy nets to shore.  Famished, the smell of the frying fish drew them to Jesus. 

“Come and have breakfast,” Jesus said.

When they finished eating, Jesus drew Peter aside and said, “Do you love me, Simon?”   

“Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.“

Jesus asked again, “Simon, do you love me?” 

” Yes, Lord, You know that I love you.”

And a third time, Jesus said,  “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter, cut to the heart, responds, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

With each question to Peter,  the Great Physician applied the healing salve of forgiveness and restoration.  Peter would become that rock, after all!   Like the first time, Peter put away his nets and followed the Master.  This time, he would fish for men (John 21).  

Peter’s Encounter with the Holy Spirit

Moments before Jesus ascended, he told Peter and the other disciples to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit that would empower them to be witnesses (Acts 1:8). 

For ten days, one hundred and twenty disciples waited in an upper room. The Holy Spirit came. They spoke in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:4). The travelers in Jerusalem for Pentecost heard them speaking in their native languages, praising God. Amazed and perplexed, the crowd asked, “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:12).

Peter’s Ministry Launched

Peter raised his voice and addressed the crowd and preached about Jesus, His death, and resurrection.  Three thousand people responded to Peter’s message with repentance and baptism (Acts 2:15-40). The church was born.

The Lord continued to add to their number each day, as they continued in the apostles’ teaching, prayer, communion, and fellowship (Acts 2:42-47). 

Peter, a courageous leader, and bold preacher healed the sick (Acts 3:7; 5:15-16, 9:34), raised the dead (Acts 9:40), and called the church to holiness (Acts 5:4,5,10).  When the authorities arrested him for preaching about Jesus, he was fearless (Acts 4:21).  Peter led the church, obeyed the Holy Spirit, and carried the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10). 

 

 

GOD PROVIDES EVERYTHING NEEDED FOR A HOLY LIFE

Jesus saw the potential in Peter’s life before he saw it himself.  While Peter saw his flaws and sins, Jesus saw a rock of faith (Matthew 16:16-18). 

Full of the Spirit, Peter writes, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3).  Peter knew it was true! Power from the Holy Spirit became Peter’s source of strength and guidance.

One of the most influential leaders of the first century, Peter experienced the rise from failure, frailty, and fears to overcoming power, strength, and boldness.  From Peter’s first encounter with Jesus,  “You are Simon, but you will be called Peter, the rock” God was grooming Peter in holiness.  And He will do the same for us. We are not what we will be. 

I hope you will take the time to read through 1 and 2 Peter, only eight chapters. Even in the face of death, Peter experienced the divine power capable of providing everything he needed to live for his holy Savior.  Peter died a martyr, being crucified upside down, feeling unworthy of dying in the same manner as Jesus. That’s unshakable faith.  That’s holiness at work!

When we become discouraged, remember Peter.  We can trust the promise of God’s “divine power” to help us and “give us everything we need” to grow into holiness. 

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;  for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:13-16).  

Go with us to Part 2.  GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU TO BE HOLY

God has chosen you and will provide everything you need to live a godly life. 

 

 

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