“God, make me like Peter…” January 19, 2009
Posted by jonesy24 in Christianity, God, What's happening with me....Tags: boldness, initiative, Peter
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I think Peter rocks.
I think I’ve got a bad impression of the guy somewhere along the line (I’m thinking Sunday school). You know… the guy who denied Christ. The guy who sank when he tried to walk on water, etc, etc.
Scripture covers the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to Peter.
I guess there’s a few things in Peter’s life I’d probably like to avoid, but at the same time there’s a lot I admire.
Just as I aspire to be like David with his faith-based optimism, I love the idea of Peter’s willingness to step out and take action.
Even though Peter gets a bit of heat for sinking when he tried to walk on water, shouldn’t he get some credit for being the only disciple who actually got out of the boat? That took initiative.
And Peter made some commitments he couldn’t keep. But I respect the fact that he was the only disciple out of the twelve to man up and speak up. He was the first to publicly identify Jesus as the Messiah.
And THEN… we see Peter chop some guy’s ear off, when they came to arrest Jesus. He couldn’t sit there and let them drag Jesus off. He felt he had to do something!
I can be pretty bold some of the times (which can get me into trouble occasionally too!), but there’s a bunch of times I’ve chickened out of decisions, etc… because I’ve lacked the ‘initiative-taking boldness’ of Peter. Decisions that require boldness. Being a Christian – truly seeking to follow God’s plan… can often require bold decisions that have associated risk.
G0d, make me like Peter.
Peter was somewhat of a hothead, and that’s where the bad rap comes from. Don’t forget that Peter was handpicked to lead the other disciples before Jesus ascended.
Did you think all the way through the “Peter rocks” quote? Peter – the name given to Simon by Jesus – means rock. The ancient city of Petra? Carved out of solid rock. When Jesus said “On this rock I will build my church,” many think he was doing a play on words with Peter’s name. Saying that you think Peter rocks is genius; you should print t-shirts or something. (only 1 in 50 Christians would get it though.)
There are two clear personality types in Peter. His impulsiveness was legend, but look at him after Pentecost. He became something new, effective! no more sinking, running, denials of his Lord, no with the Holy spirit this guy took off! Ok Paul had to straighten him out, but he took criticism well.
Anyway, impulsiveness can be kinda cool, but Spirit filled life is Great
!! go for it! and yes be bold!
put me down for a t-shirt!
I like this post Brother. As everyone, including you already commented, Peter gets a bad rap because of the few major blunders he showcased us in his life. But, as I´m sure you would totally agree…Let us not forget, Peter dared to get close enough to Jesus, and then got caught messing up. May we all dare to get that intimate and close to the Father.
Good thoughts brother.
Blessings.
Justin