- Apr 28, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: May 5, 2024
"Be alert. Be firm in your faith." ~ 1 Peter 5:8-9
It's said within every great relationship (or community), there is a great fall.
Peter helps teach us this.
Peter was a man of faith. He was dedicated to the truth of God.
He was considered one of the most prominent apostles.
Described to have great zeal, energy and an absolute devotion to Christ.
Yet, along the way, he was also known to make rash - even harsh decisions.
Jesus knew him. He knew his weaknesses and he knew is potential. He chose him.
Peter is a great example of focus.
Peter's faith sparked him to ask Jesus for the wonder of walking on water.
Jesus allowed him to experience this miracle.
But, only for a brief moment.
Peter must have felt joy, confidence, and a rush of adrenaline.
The emotion overcame his faith.
Peter became distracted.
He lost focus on Jesus.
Peter sank.
Peter is also known for denying Jesus three times.
Including the denial at Jesus' last Passover.
A denial that caused Peter to feel great shame and likely confusion.
But, after the resurrection, Jesus comforted Peter.
He gently corrected his path.
He provided clear instructions.
I tend to think when the conversation ended, Jesus laughed and said, "now let's do this thing!"
Peter listened. He grew into a man of humility.
The fact he was in a role of prominence didn't matter to him.
He learned to admit when he was wrong and make a commitment to change.
Jesus loved him through all the reality.
The denial, the rashness, the learning.
He could see Peter's heart.
Alertness (vs. unawareness) is a characteristic of Jesus.
The ability to be aware of the physical and spiritual events taking place around you so that you can have the right response.
An awareness of what you can, and can't, physically see.
It's a partnership of reality and hope.
It's easy to relate to Peter.
It's easy to love how Jesus loved him through it all.
I was led to study Peter in March 2024.
I've reflected how my emotions can be blinding at times.
Blinding to the needs of others.
Blinding to Jesus.
To forgive when no apology is spoken.
And to give thanks when prayers are answered beyond my wildest expectations.
So again, it's said within every great relationship (or community) a great fall occurs.
You betray or you feel betrayed.
You hurt or do the hurting.
In this, focus turns to people's faults and away from Jesus.
There is the desire to run, to give up.
But Jesus shows us with Peter, it's worth sticking it out.
As you do, you will see people's character grow.
Through the Lord's grace and guidance, you will see them become a new creation right in front of your eyes.
And they will see you become a new creation right in front of their very eyes, too.
A little bit day by day.
"Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning" ~ Dallas Willard
Written April 1, 2024
