Mark
When Peter tried to dissuade Jesus from his mission (dying on the cross), Jesus said to him: "Get behind me, Satan!"
This statement seems awfully strong at first, but after I read a commentary by William Barclay, I understood more of the situation that occurred in this passage of Mark 8.
We can be fully intent on following our mission. In fact, if it is a God-given vision that we need to carry through, we should stick to it wholeheartedly, regardless of the cost. Jesus said in a later part of Mark 8 that we have to take up our cross and follow him, if we truly want to follow him. Since he has already led the way, we can follow him with assurance that he will see us through. However, it may still be difficult or painful at times, and our nearest and dearest friends might try to help us avoid the trials in our way, with good intentions at heart. Peter was trying to help Jesus avoid this painful struggle he had to endure, and Jesus himself struggled with the idea of handing himself over to die (as evidenced in his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane). How close to his heart would these words from a friend come, and how tempting to follow them? Peter had to be rebuked quickly, so as to avoid even more temptation.
We have to be careful of advice from our friends. It may seem like wise counsel, to avoid difficult situations, but if you truly have a mission from God, you need to follow through whatever the cost, knowing that Christ is on your side.
Showing posts with label Peter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peter. Show all posts
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The transfiguration
Matthew
Peter is so real. By that I mean, he doesn't wait to act. In today's reading, he saw Jesus transfigured on a mountain, and immediately he thought to build shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. How great it would have been to stay on that mountain, surrounded by the glory of God and the greatest God-followers of all time. But we can't always stay in that attitude of revelation. At some point, Jesus had to move on and accomplish the rest of his mission. In the same way, when we hear from God, we can't stay in that zone. We've got to take what we've heard or learned, and let it shape us into even more committed, more mature followers of Christ.
Peter is so real. By that I mean, he doesn't wait to act. In today's reading, he saw Jesus transfigured on a mountain, and immediately he thought to build shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. How great it would have been to stay on that mountain, surrounded by the glory of God and the greatest God-followers of all time. But we can't always stay in that attitude of revelation. At some point, Jesus had to move on and accomplish the rest of his mission. In the same way, when we hear from God, we can't stay in that zone. We've got to take what we've heard or learned, and let it shape us into even more committed, more mature followers of Christ.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The silver cup and prayer
Genesis
In reading chapter 44, we see that Joseph had his steward put his special silver cup in Benjamin's bag of grain. It would be interesting to know what the steward was thinking at this point. The previous trip that Joseph's brothers had made was already out of the norm, since their money had been returned to them. This time, would the steward recall that incident and simply take this new action in stride, chalking it up to some strange eccentricity of Joseph? Perhaps he wouldn't give it a second thought anyway, since it wasn't his place to question his master. Still, he knew where the silver cup was, and yet he made a show of searching through all the bags, from oldest to youngest, before finally pulling it out. The steward doesn't really play an important role in this story of God's will coming to fruition, but it would have been neat to be there to see this play out.
Acts
As I was reading Acts 12, the story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison, I was reminded of that lesson about the power of prayer. Acts 12:5 says that the church was praying for Peter's release from prison. Lo and behold, he does get released one night during an angelic visit. He goes to the house of Mary, where a number of Christians were gathered and praying, and when Rhoda answered the door, saw Peter, and exclaimed over who it was, no one believed her. They didn't realize that their prayers were going to make a difference.
A similar story on prayer recounts a tale of a country church who decided to hold a prayer meeting to ask God for rain to end the drought, as they relied on farming for their livelihood. Well, all of them show up to the prayer meeting, but only one little old lady brings an umbrella. All the rest of the people are surprised and ask why she had bothered bringing it, since it wasn't raining. Well, she actually believed it was going to rain!
Why bother praying if you don't even believe that God might make your prayer happen? Further still, you should believe that God will answer your prayers, because he does listen to the cries of his children. There is a lot more that could be said on prayer, but I'll leave it at that.
In reading chapter 44, we see that Joseph had his steward put his special silver cup in Benjamin's bag of grain. It would be interesting to know what the steward was thinking at this point. The previous trip that Joseph's brothers had made was already out of the norm, since their money had been returned to them. This time, would the steward recall that incident and simply take this new action in stride, chalking it up to some strange eccentricity of Joseph? Perhaps he wouldn't give it a second thought anyway, since it wasn't his place to question his master. Still, he knew where the silver cup was, and yet he made a show of searching through all the bags, from oldest to youngest, before finally pulling it out. The steward doesn't really play an important role in this story of God's will coming to fruition, but it would have been neat to be there to see this play out.
Acts
As I was reading Acts 12, the story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison, I was reminded of that lesson about the power of prayer. Acts 12:5 says that the church was praying for Peter's release from prison. Lo and behold, he does get released one night during an angelic visit. He goes to the house of Mary, where a number of Christians were gathered and praying, and when Rhoda answered the door, saw Peter, and exclaimed over who it was, no one believed her. They didn't realize that their prayers were going to make a difference.
A similar story on prayer recounts a tale of a country church who decided to hold a prayer meeting to ask God for rain to end the drought, as they relied on farming for their livelihood. Well, all of them show up to the prayer meeting, but only one little old lady brings an umbrella. All the rest of the people are surprised and ask why she had bothered bringing it, since it wasn't raining. Well, she actually believed it was going to rain!
Why bother praying if you don't even believe that God might make your prayer happen? Further still, you should believe that God will answer your prayers, because he does listen to the cries of his children. There is a lot more that could be said on prayer, but I'll leave it at that.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
God does not show favouritism
Acts 10:34-35 - Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favouritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right."
Here is an excerpt from Matthew Henry's commentary on this passage: "Acceptance cannot be obtained on any other ground than that of the covenant of mercy, through the atonement of Christ; but wherever true religion is found, God will accept it without regarding names or sects." (Derived from bible.cc).
Peter's statement reminds me of what Jesus himself said in the Sermon on the Mount. We read that particular passage a couple days ago in Matthew chapter 5:43-48. God causes the rain to fall on the righteous and the unrighteous and does not treat anyone differently, as he loves all of us.
Here is an excerpt from Matthew Henry's commentary on this passage: "Acceptance cannot be obtained on any other ground than that of the covenant of mercy, through the atonement of Christ; but wherever true religion is found, God will accept it without regarding names or sects." (Derived from bible.cc).
Peter's statement reminds me of what Jesus himself said in the Sermon on the Mount. We read that particular passage a couple days ago in Matthew chapter 5:43-48. God causes the rain to fall on the righteous and the unrighteous and does not treat anyone differently, as he loves all of us.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Peter's shadow
Key verse
Psalm 8:9 - O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Acts
I found it impressive that people hoped to have even Peter's shadow fall on them as he passed by in order to receive healing. That reminds me of what Jesus told his disciples before he died: "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." What he says here, though, is linked to asking for anything in his name, so again, as we live out our faith, let's make sure we're living in Jesus' name, his character, and all that he stands for.
Psalm 8:9 - O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Acts
I found it impressive that people hoped to have even Peter's shadow fall on them as he passed by in order to receive healing. That reminds me of what Jesus told his disciples before he died: "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." What he says here, though, is linked to asking for anything in his name, so again, as we live out our faith, let's make sure we're living in Jesus' name, his character, and all that he stands for.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
walking and leaping and praising God
Silver and Gold Have I None
Peter and John went to pray.
they met a lame man on the way
He asked for alms and held out his palms,
and this is what Peter did say”
Silver and gold have I none,
but such as I have give I you.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, in Jesus’ name rise up and walk.
The man went walking and leaping and praising God,
Walking and leaping and praising God,
“In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, In Jesus’ name rise up and walk”.
Peter and John went to pray.
they met a lame man on the way
He asked for alms and held out his palms,
and this is what Peter did say”
Silver and gold have I none,
but such as I have give I you.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, in Jesus’ name rise up and walk.
The man went walking and leaping and praising God,
Walking and leaping and praising God,
“In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, In Jesus’ name rise up and walk”.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The resurrection
Peter talks about the resurrection of Jesus in his speech to the large crowd in Acts 2. I just read about this passage in a commentary by William Barclay. Barclay wrote that the resurrection was at the heart of the "early preachers' sermons" because that was what the Christian life was all about. As a Christian, I know this to be true, but somehow, it's so easy to get caught up in Jesus' birth (especially at this time of year) and his life's ministry. In the end though, none of that would be worth anything, except in light of the fact that he conquered death. Because Jesus came back to life, the rest of his actions mean something. The resurrection is the central point of Christian faith. Without it, we have nothing. Thankfully, God did send his son as a baby who was meant to die for us, but not only that - to come back to life! That's why Christmas means anything at all, because Jesus was born to die... and then live.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Ekhah! (Oh How!)
And so begins the book of Lamentations, a series of poems outlining the Jews' mourning for the destruction of Jerusalem. It will be interesting to see whether this book ends in hope or sadness.
John 6:68 - Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
-The Twelve Disciples couldn't bear to leave Jesus, even if his teachings were hard, because they knew the truth about his message. He truly was the Messiah, and promised eternal life and forgiveness of sins for all who believe in him. There's no where else to turn.
John 6:68 - Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
-The Twelve Disciples couldn't bear to leave Jesus, even if his teachings were hard, because they knew the truth about his message. He truly was the Messiah, and promised eternal life and forgiveness of sins for all who believe in him. There's no where else to turn.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
He is not here... (That may sound odd, but read on!)
Key verse
Luke 24:5-6 - "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!"
Luke
24:12 - Peter saw the empty graveclothes and heard from the women what they had seen, and yet still wondered what had happened to Jesus. History gives us great clarity because I can't see how there could be any other conclusion than Jesus rising from the dead. Living there at that time, seeing it happen before my eyes, I think resurrection could certainly be a possibility in my mind. After all, Jesus had already done a number of miracles, including bringing the dead back to life. Certainly knowing what I know now, if I saw something like that again, I feel like I would also believe in new life. However, I could be overly optimistic about this, and in the shock of the moment, perhaps I would simply be utterly confused. It's difficult to reach a sure answer on these hypothetical.
Here's a tidbit from Clarke's Commentary on a different section of this verse."Peter seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin that was about his head not lying with the linen clothes, but Wrapped together in a place by itself. All these circumstances prove that the thing was done leisurely; order and regularity being observed through the whole. Hurry and confusion necessarily mark every act of robbery."
Hebrews
11:40 - God planned something better for his people. It's hard not to want to charge ahead and make sure we get what we want in this life. We have got to rely on God because ultimately it is going to be God orchestrating everything anyway, and he sees everything, knows everything. Even when it looks like we're going to lose out on something, probably like Peter felt when he saw Jesus die, before he saw the empty clothes and began wondering, even when it looks that bad, God's in control! And we can take heart in that.
Isaiah
God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts. This idea ties right in to the readings from Hebrews and Luke. We only see a part of the picture. When God freely pardons us, we can't see the whole thing. When he forgives someone we don't think should be forgiven, we aren't seeing what God is seeing, and we certainly aren't thinking what he is thinking! He is so far above us. That's a good perspective to have, so that we can try and see the world from his point of view, at least a little bit, so that we can better understand what we're supposed to do.
Luke 24:5-6 - "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!"
Luke
24:12 - Peter saw the empty graveclothes and heard from the women what they had seen, and yet still wondered what had happened to Jesus. History gives us great clarity because I can't see how there could be any other conclusion than Jesus rising from the dead. Living there at that time, seeing it happen before my eyes, I think resurrection could certainly be a possibility in my mind. After all, Jesus had already done a number of miracles, including bringing the dead back to life. Certainly knowing what I know now, if I saw something like that again, I feel like I would also believe in new life. However, I could be overly optimistic about this, and in the shock of the moment, perhaps I would simply be utterly confused. It's difficult to reach a sure answer on these hypothetical.
Here's a tidbit from Clarke's Commentary on a different section of this verse."Peter seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin that was about his head not lying with the linen clothes, but Wrapped together in a place by itself. All these circumstances prove that the thing was done leisurely; order and regularity being observed through the whole. Hurry and confusion necessarily mark every act of robbery."
Hebrews
11:40 - God planned something better for his people. It's hard not to want to charge ahead and make sure we get what we want in this life. We have got to rely on God because ultimately it is going to be God orchestrating everything anyway, and he sees everything, knows everything. Even when it looks like we're going to lose out on something, probably like Peter felt when he saw Jesus die, before he saw the empty clothes and began wondering, even when it looks that bad, God's in control! And we can take heart in that.
Isaiah
God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts. This idea ties right in to the readings from Hebrews and Luke. We only see a part of the picture. When God freely pardons us, we can't see the whole thing. When he forgives someone we don't think should be forgiven, we aren't seeing what God is seeing, and we certainly aren't thinking what he is thinking! He is so far above us. That's a good perspective to have, so that we can try and see the world from his point of view, at least a little bit, so that we can better understand what we're supposed to do.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Being faithful
Key verse
Hebrews 7:25 - "Therefore he [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."
Luke
I'd like to think that if someone accused me of being a follower of Jesus, I would say yes. And I truly think I would, at least in today's society. However, if I put myself in Peter's shoes, what would I do? He clearly thought he would stay with Jesus to the end, and in once sense he did, after he got over this initial bout of fear. But at this critical period of Jesus' life, Peter abandons him. Perhaps Peter feared being caught and killed, or was it simply that he simply didn't want to be associated with someone who was no longer popular with the people. Regardless, I think there are a few lessons here. One is, while it is great to have second chances, as Peter did (we'll read about this later), it's so much more fulfilling to get things right the first time. The second lesson is to not make rash promises. We discussed this in Hebrews a couple days ago. If we decide we'll do something, let's just do it, in spite of the costs.
Proverbs
A house is built through wisdom, and made full with knowledge (24:3-4). This verse struck me, but now that I try to think about it more deeply, I'm at a loss for what to say. I'm trying to picture this in my mind... To me, a house is built through love and made full with that same love. Rooms are filled with memories of the relationships that took place in those rooms. Wisdom helps in keeping those relationships strong, and so through that, wisdom builds the home.
Isaiah
Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress (33:2). It's one thing to say that this verse is comforting, but it is another to actually accept the truth of it. Do I think of God every morning and knowingly, willingly, place my trust in him, that he will be my strength for the day? More often, I get up and decide how I will go about my day. I need to take more time to place it in God's hands, because the only way I'll make it through the day with anything to show for it is through God. Moreover, when I am worried, distressed, or anxious, I need to give this to God and allow him to be my salvation. I need to let him come and wash over me with his peace. I need to take hold of his gift of love and realize that he is indeed all I need. When I ask for his strength and salvation, I need to truly accept it and live in that new reality.
Hebrews 7:25 - "Therefore he [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."
Luke
I'd like to think that if someone accused me of being a follower of Jesus, I would say yes. And I truly think I would, at least in today's society. However, if I put myself in Peter's shoes, what would I do? He clearly thought he would stay with Jesus to the end, and in once sense he did, after he got over this initial bout of fear. But at this critical period of Jesus' life, Peter abandons him. Perhaps Peter feared being caught and killed, or was it simply that he simply didn't want to be associated with someone who was no longer popular with the people. Regardless, I think there are a few lessons here. One is, while it is great to have second chances, as Peter did (we'll read about this later), it's so much more fulfilling to get things right the first time. The second lesson is to not make rash promises. We discussed this in Hebrews a couple days ago. If we decide we'll do something, let's just do it, in spite of the costs.
Proverbs
A house is built through wisdom, and made full with knowledge (24:3-4). This verse struck me, but now that I try to think about it more deeply, I'm at a loss for what to say. I'm trying to picture this in my mind... To me, a house is built through love and made full with that same love. Rooms are filled with memories of the relationships that took place in those rooms. Wisdom helps in keeping those relationships strong, and so through that, wisdom builds the home.
Isaiah
Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress (33:2). It's one thing to say that this verse is comforting, but it is another to actually accept the truth of it. Do I think of God every morning and knowingly, willingly, place my trust in him, that he will be my strength for the day? More often, I get up and decide how I will go about my day. I need to take more time to place it in God's hands, because the only way I'll make it through the day with anything to show for it is through God. Moreover, when I am worried, distressed, or anxious, I need to give this to God and allow him to be my salvation. I need to let him come and wash over me with his peace. I need to take hold of his gift of love and realize that he is indeed all I need. When I ask for his strength and salvation, I need to truly accept it and live in that new reality.
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