Peter witness Jesus calm a storm. (Matthew 8:23-27)
Peter was there when Jesus fed the crowd of thousands with the braking of 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. (Matthew 14:19)
Peter witnessed Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14:22). In fact, Peter was the first disciple to declare that Jesus was the Son of God. (Matthew 16:16)
Peter even heard very voice of God say “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5)
In fact the bible tells us that Peter had such a strong alliance with Jesus that during His arrest Peter drew a sword in defense of Jesus, chopping off an ear of one of his arresters (John 18:10), yet he is still known as the disciple who denied Jesus, not once, not twice, but three times!
Then I wondered why would Jesus even call Peter to follow him in the first place, knowing 3 years later this man would wimp out and deny even knowing him. If I wanted to save the world I choose strong and courageous people to follow me, like David, a man after Gods' heart, who would go to battle and fight for me, or a High priest who in their day were revered by the Jews and had influence and power in their days. Instead, Jesus chose a hotheaded impulsive fisherman, whom we all in one way or another could relate to.
The reality is, in some shape or form, we all have a little Peter in us. We boldly lift our hands in praise and declare the power of Jesus in the walls of our churches, but how bold do we stand outside our comfort zones? Outside our life groups? Outside our homes? Outside of facebook, Instagram, and twitter? We may not verbally deny Jesus rather we deny Him when we fail to act and speak in His name. I felt a conviction as I asked myself...
How many times a day do i walk by a homeless person knowing I was able but chose not to give?
How many opportunities did I pass up in inviting someone to church in fear of rejection and judgment?
How many times have I hesitated to pray over a stranger I see suffering, yet alone someone I know, in fear of not praying eloquent enough?
How many times have I chosen to cover my cross instead of preaching His word, in fear of not being educated enough or sounding like a crazy person?
How many times have I denied the power of Christ within me and failed to believe that I could be the one to make the difference in this world today?
How many times have I let the disapproval or unspoken affirmations of those around me derail the plans God placed in my heart?
How many times has God given me a vision but I doubt what he can do within me in fear of rejection from other believers? Your just baby Christian, what do you know? Your new to this church, we’ve been here from the beginning. Stand down Christian, it isn’t your place.
What I have come to love about the bible is seeing how God always used imperfect people so that thousands of years later we could still identify with their imperfect nature. We don't doubt Gods power but where we seem to fall short is believing that we are worthy enough. Throughout the bible we see God finding people right where they are, imperfect and sinful, and using them for His greatest glory. Even the best of saints were once men who sinned.
Just like Peter there is no convincing me that God is not real. He is alive and the evidence of His miracles is all around me today. Jesus said pick up your cross and follow me. But are we followers who picked up our cross but keep it hidden exposing it within our comfort zones?
Let us not only pick up our cross, but let’s add some glitter and make it sparkle for His glory!
