(1 Peter 5:8-11) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Peter - Called Out
The sun was shining bright that morning, not too hot out, the wind was softly blowing. It was a good day for fishing. Casting nets was their trade, that’s what they knew how to do, and they did it well.
Peter and Andrew, born and raised in Galilee, were not weak men. Casting nets into the sea was not easily done by just anyone. They were fishers.
It was a nice day. Peter thought it was a beautiful day. They were busy casting nets into the sea and carefully watching to know when to pull them up. The Sea of Galilee was a place they often fished.
Peter glanced at the shore and caught sight of a man walking along the bank of the sea. He squinted a bit, probably leaned forward, put his hand to his for head to shade his eyes, and something sparked inside. It was Jesus (Matthew 4:18). In a voice as clear as bells Jesus spoke, (Matthew 4:19) “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Both brothers were at the side of the boat now looking at the man who had just called them out. There was an unspoken agreement and an inner peace that both men had. (Matthew 4:20) “They straightway left their nets, and followed Him.” Leaving their trade, and all that they knew behind, to follow a man who clamed to be the Messiah, was maybe to some, most moronic. A lot of people thought Jesus was a lunatic, not the Son of the living God. It was crazy.
Peter was continually amazed with all he saw while following Jesus. Sitting now in his own house listening to Jesus as He fellowshipped with his family, He had been worrying about his mother-in-law before Jesus entered his house. It was beyond description. (Matthew 8:14-15) “And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.”
Following Christ is hard, He’d never said it was easy though. Again and again the disciples marveled at this man. Being in the midst of a storm and it seeming like they would all parish in the storm, while Jesus slept, was terrifying. The disciples woke Jesus saying, (Matthew 8:25) “Lord, save us: we perish.” (Matthew 8:26) “And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.” Jesus caused a great calm.
Peter was the one who wasn’t afraid to walk. (Matthew 14:23-32) “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. ”
Peter was the prime example of human nature. We walk, we fall, and we get back up. Jesus never said that if we follow Him we’re going to be perfect at it. He just tells us to walk. Like Peter did. Taking that step of faith.
God used him to be an impact on people everywhere while he was alive, but now he is an amazing example of God’s sovereignty, His endless grace, and never ending love.
Peter also denied Christ three times. (Matthew 26:35) “Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.” He didn’t believe that he could deny his Jesus. He’d rather die. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. That good ole’ human nature kicked in again. (Matthew 26:69-75) “Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.”
Peter’s faith grew stronger with trial. He denied Christ three times, but he took up arms for Him. (John 18:10) “Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.”
God has used Peter’s story to show His children, generation after generation, of His grace, love, and mercies that endure forever. His life is the example that shows us that if we fall down, we need to get back up and keep walking towards Christ. Don’t stumble over mistakes of the past, you’re forgiven.
~Beautifully Created 4 Christ~
~Romans 10:15~
