I’ve not written much this month because Altha and I have been busy moving in to our
new home in San Jose, and doing the many things necessary to get settled. And of course these many things were not accomplished without a certain amount of stress. My days have been
full.
The other day I was thinking about the time (right after Peter’s denial)
that he and the Disciples went fishing. After a night of catching
nothing, a stranger shouted from the shore to cast their net on the other side
of the boat; and immediately the net was filled—you might say, to the breaking
point. (Did it break?) That’s when Peter knew the ‘stranger’ was Jesus. It seems this event was perfectly timed to remind
Peter of what Jesus had promised 3 years earlier: a “full-net” fishers-of-men
ministry.
Even so, I knew that when I joined my Father’s “fishing” business, I could expect a full net (Col. 2:10).
But honestly, there have been times in the last few months when I thought it would break. But I also know He will never give more than I can hold (1 Cor. 10:13); He won't break me (Is. 42:3). That's why I can answer my own question, No, Peter's net did not break that day (and neither will yours or mine).
Showing posts with label Peter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peter. Show all posts
Friday, June 28, 2013
Friday, May 25, 2012
Do You Love Me?
Yesterday, I wrote that the joy of pleasing God, and feeling His pleasure, can be hindered if we live by do's and don'ts. Rule keeping just puts you in bondage. What's needed is to be so in love with Jesus we wouldn’t think of displeasing Him. Isn’t this what Jesus said? “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:21) In other words, the more we love Him, the easier it is to obey Him.
If we are struggling to be obedient in some area of our lives, we don’t need to double-down our efforts. We need to reassess our intimacy with Jesus. Obedience is the ‘natural’ consequence of love. “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And [then] His commands are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)
Peter’s relationship with Jesus illustrates this proper order: love followed by obedience. Peter, who was the staunchest warrior among the disciples, declared his loyalty—he would never abandon Jesus. And then, he did (John 18). And not simply running away as the others had, but stridently disavowing Jesus—3 times! So it should not miss our attention that when Jesus and Peter had their next private encounter, Jesus did not tell Peter to try harder. No, Jesus simply looked him in the eyes, and said, “Peter, do you love me?”
If we are struggling to be obedient in some area of our lives, we don’t need to double-down our efforts. We need to reassess our intimacy with Jesus. Obedience is the ‘natural’ consequence of love. “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And [then] His commands are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)
Peter’s relationship with Jesus illustrates this proper order: love followed by obedience. Peter, who was the staunchest warrior among the disciples, declared his loyalty—he would never abandon Jesus. And then, he did (John 18). And not simply running away as the others had, but stridently disavowing Jesus—3 times! So it should not miss our attention that when Jesus and Peter had their next private encounter, Jesus did not tell Peter to try harder. No, Jesus simply looked him in the eyes, and said, “Peter, do you love me?”
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Is Your Head in the Clouds?
Do you remember the account of Jesus’ transfiguration? Peter’s reaction at seeing Jesus with Moses and Elija was to “do” something: "Let us make three tabernacles." But he had hardly got the words out of his mouth when he, James and John were overshadowed by a cloud, from which they heard the voice of God saying, "This is my Son... Listen to him!" (Matt. 17:5). God told Peter it was not a time for doing; it was a time for listening.
While that was a uniquely “divine” cloud, I see an analogy. When you are in a cloud, God is with you, and will speak a word of encouragement. Though I can't tell you your cloud will be lifted, I can say the darkness will fade when you hear His voice. And you will have joy. Think about this: Jesus ascended to heaven in a cloud, will return in a cloud, and will take us to heaven in a cloud (Acts 1:9; Luke 21:27: Rev. 11:12). Now that’s a cloud you want to get your head in.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Nowhere to Run To
“The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations… God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it” (2 Peter 2:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13).
When Peter and Paul wrote these words, they weren’t only talking about personal temptations, but the tribulations that had already started coming up against the Church. (In fact, shortly thereafter, both Peter and Paul were violently martyred.) In writing these words, it was their intent for these ‘new’ believers to know they could trust God in their crises—He would provide a way of escape.
Last week in Joplin, Missouri, when the terrible tornado came, people were unprepared—they had nowhere to run to for safety. It reminds me of Daniel’s words about how people will react in the end times: “many shall run to and fro…"(12:2-4). What does ‘to and fro” mean? Could it mean people who run around in a frenzied manner, “like a chicken with its head cut off?” Could it describe fearful persons who don’t know that God is the only way of escape? “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).
When Peter and Paul wrote these words, they weren’t only talking about personal temptations, but the tribulations that had already started coming up against the Church. (In fact, shortly thereafter, both Peter and Paul were violently martyred.) In writing these words, it was their intent for these ‘new’ believers to know they could trust God in their crises—He would provide a way of escape.
Last week in Joplin, Missouri, when the terrible tornado came, people were unprepared—they had nowhere to run to for safety. It reminds me of Daniel’s words about how people will react in the end times: “many shall run to and fro…"(12:2-4). What does ‘to and fro” mean? Could it mean people who run around in a frenzied manner, “like a chicken with its head cut off?” Could it describe fearful persons who don’t know that God is the only way of escape? “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).
Monday, May 2, 2011
A Violent Death
Last week, one of the Church’s giants in faith, David Wilkerson, was killed in a head-on collision. I wondered about the violence of David’s death. It’s one of those things that David would have told us not to fret about—just trust in God’s sovereign goodness, and don’t try to make sense of it.
As I reflected on the violence of his death, however, I thought to myself ‘David died much the way he lived.’ His was a ‘violent’ Christianity, living every day with passion and power, as though it were his last. He lived with self-abandonment. David Wilkerson was one of the Church's “violent men” who take the kingdom of God “by force” (Mat. 11:12). The “gates of hell could not prevail” (Mat. 16:18) against David Wilkerson and the mighty army of men and women he raised up.
But the words “violent” and “force” do not tell the whole story. He was a very humble man, a servant leader—even as Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death (Philippians 2:8). David did violence to his own flesh long before an auto accident took his life so violently. Likewise, Peter, Paul, James, and most of the Apostles and early followers of Jesus died violent deaths. But they were all long dead to this world before that happened—men who “did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die” (Rev. 12:11), even a violent death!
As I reflected on the violence of his death, however, I thought to myself ‘David died much the way he lived.’ His was a ‘violent’ Christianity, living every day with passion and power, as though it were his last. He lived with self-abandonment. David Wilkerson was one of the Church's “violent men” who take the kingdom of God “by force” (Mat. 11:12). The “gates of hell could not prevail” (Mat. 16:18) against David Wilkerson and the mighty army of men and women he raised up.
But the words “violent” and “force” do not tell the whole story. He was a very humble man, a servant leader—even as Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death (Philippians 2:8). David did violence to his own flesh long before an auto accident took his life so violently. Likewise, Peter, Paul, James, and most of the Apostles and early followers of Jesus died violent deaths. But they were all long dead to this world before that happened—men who “did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die” (Rev. 12:11), even a violent death!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
How Can You Fill a Broken Bottle?
The real danger in being full of yourself is that the Holy Spirit is unable to fill you. If you don’t realize you are full of yourself, the Lord has His methods of revealing it to you—which generally involve some kind of breaking! Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be broken beyond repair (Prov. 29:1). Paradoxically, God is not looking for unblemished, un-cracked bottles to fill up, but broken ones.
The Old Testament is replete with stories of broken people: Jacob, broken before He could receive God’s blessing; Joseph ,nearly destroyed by 14 years of wrongful imprisonment; and Moses, broken of reliance on his education and upbringing. And who could forget David, broken by years of conflict and rejection. Then in the New Testament, there was Paul, the persecuted persecutor, and Peter, whose self-confidence had to be shattered before he was filled and empowered at Pentecost.
Men who refused to be broken end up shipwrecking their faith, and worse, the faith of others. The Church doesn’t need greater preachers and teachers, more Christian radio programs, a newer translation of the Bible, or bigger churches. But more broken men and women so God can "fill [them] with good things" (Ps. 81:10). Are we willing to be broken bottles?
The Old Testament is replete with stories of broken people: Jacob, broken before He could receive God’s blessing; Joseph ,nearly destroyed by 14 years of wrongful imprisonment; and Moses, broken of reliance on his education and upbringing. And who could forget David, broken by years of conflict and rejection. Then in the New Testament, there was Paul, the persecuted persecutor, and Peter, whose self-confidence had to be shattered before he was filled and empowered at Pentecost.
Men who refused to be broken end up shipwrecking their faith, and worse, the faith of others. The Church doesn’t need greater preachers and teachers, more Christian radio programs, a newer translation of the Bible, or bigger churches. But more broken men and women so God can "fill [them] with good things" (Ps. 81:10). Are we willing to be broken bottles?
Monday, August 31, 2009
Peter Just Could Not Stay Out of the Water!
To “throw yourself into something” is to do something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm, even implying impulsive or reckless abandonment. Do you throw yourself into things without thinking? Or, perhaps you are like me, more cautious by nature?
Twice during the three years he spent with Jesus, Peter took an unanticipated plunge in the Sea of Galilee. The first time is the more legendary—the only disciple to step out of the boat and walk on water. But even then, as impetuous as he seemed, he first asked Jesus for permission. (Mark 14:28-29) Peter’s second water episode with Jesus is less celebrated.
When the disciples hadn't caught any fish all night, Jesus (they didn’t know it was him!) told them to cast their net on the other side. When the catch was overwhelming, they knew it was Jesus. While the other disciples respectfully returned to shore by boat, Peter “threw himself” into the water, and swam. (John 21)
Peter’s passionate response reflects his utter need. Is it possible that after his failure in denying Jesus, Peter desperately wanted reassurance of His love and acceptance? As never before, Peter felt his need for a Savior. In that moment nothing else mattered but getting to Jesus.
Maybe it’s time we “throw caution to the wind,” and, like Peter, “throw ourselves” at the feet of Jesus!
Twice during the three years he spent with Jesus, Peter took an unanticipated plunge in the Sea of Galilee. The first time is the more legendary—the only disciple to step out of the boat and walk on water. But even then, as impetuous as he seemed, he first asked Jesus for permission. (Mark 14:28-29) Peter’s second water episode with Jesus is less celebrated.
When the disciples hadn't caught any fish all night, Jesus (they didn’t know it was him!) told them to cast their net on the other side. When the catch was overwhelming, they knew it was Jesus. While the other disciples respectfully returned to shore by boat, Peter “threw himself” into the water, and swam. (John 21)
Peter’s passionate response reflects his utter need. Is it possible that after his failure in denying Jesus, Peter desperately wanted reassurance of His love and acceptance? As never before, Peter felt his need for a Savior. In that moment nothing else mattered but getting to Jesus.
Maybe it’s time we “throw caution to the wind,” and, like Peter, “throw ourselves” at the feet of Jesus!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Who Let the Dogs Out!
Today I’d like to reflect on “dogs” and “doors.”
After the Fall of Adam, Cain’s murder of Abel is the next recorded sin in the Bible. Cain was angry at God, but God, in His mercy, warns Cain “sin is crouching [or lying] at the door” and if he does not repent, it will master him.
“Sin is crouching at the door” is a great word picture. The phrase brings to mind the familiar image of a dog. Years ago, I had an old English sheep dog that would lie by the front door waiting for me to take him out. He wasn’t just passively lying, he was ‘crouching,’ ready to pounce the moment the door was opened. However, he was not the master; I was. And the door remained closed until I opened it. Once the door was opened, he was out the door and "in control" (or should I say "out of control").
Is the Holy Spirit telling us sin is like a DOG lying in wait, ready to master us? If so, the DOOR is the opening for sin and Satan. Paul says we should NOT give an “opening” or a “place” to the devil. (Eph. 4:27).
Even more to the point of today’s analogy, Paul says, “Beware of the dogs” (Phil. 3:2). In Paul’s day, packs of wild dogs roamed the streets scavenging for food—they would even attack a human. Paul is comparing “dogs” to “scavengers” roaming the Church to disturb the peace. This analogy is not too dissimilar from the “prowling lions…seeking someone to devour” that Peter warns of (1 Pet. 5:8). In both analogies, we are warned of their intentions to harm and/or master us.
When you are feeling irritated, frustrated, or angry, remember that “sin is crouching at the door.” So be careful. Don’t let it master you. Don’t let the dogs out!
After the Fall of Adam, Cain’s murder of Abel is the next recorded sin in the Bible. Cain was angry at God, but God, in His mercy, warns Cain “sin is crouching [or lying] at the door” and if he does not repent, it will master him.
“Sin is crouching at the door” is a great word picture. The phrase brings to mind the familiar image of a dog. Years ago, I had an old English sheep dog that would lie by the front door waiting for me to take him out. He wasn’t just passively lying, he was ‘crouching,’ ready to pounce the moment the door was opened. However, he was not the master; I was. And the door remained closed until I opened it. Once the door was opened, he was out the door and "in control" (or should I say "out of control").
Is the Holy Spirit telling us sin is like a DOG lying in wait, ready to master us? If so, the DOOR is the opening for sin and Satan. Paul says we should NOT give an “opening” or a “place” to the devil. (Eph. 4:27).
Even more to the point of today’s analogy, Paul says, “Beware of the dogs” (Phil. 3:2). In Paul’s day, packs of wild dogs roamed the streets scavenging for food—they would even attack a human. Paul is comparing “dogs” to “scavengers” roaming the Church to disturb the peace. This analogy is not too dissimilar from the “prowling lions…seeking someone to devour” that Peter warns of (1 Pet. 5:8). In both analogies, we are warned of their intentions to harm and/or master us.
When you are feeling irritated, frustrated, or angry, remember that “sin is crouching at the door.” So be careful. Don’t let it master you. Don’t let the dogs out!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Jesus is Not Surprised by Your Failure
As a child, I envisioned growing up to be the greatest preacher of all times (certainly someone would have to replace Billy Graham). When I got married I was sure I would be the husband every woman dreamed of. When Esther was born, I resolved to be as perfect a father as any child ever wanted. To greater and lesser degrees, I failed at each of these. But because of my failures, I am a better father, husband, pastor/teacher.
Accordingly, I thank God for showing me the failures of Peter. Peter, most confident of disciples, stepped out of the boat to walk on water and declared allegiance to Jesus to his last breath! Peter probably had few failures in his life—I wonder what he thought when Jesus foretold his failure (Luke 22:31-34).
I am also intrigued that Jesus did NOT say ‘Peter, I am praying you won’t fail.’ Rather Jesus prays: that 1) Peter’s faith will not fail, and 2) he will RETURN and strengthen his brothers. Why doesn’t Jesus just pray that Peter won’t fail? Wouldn’t Jesus’ prayer have been answered? Yes, but Jesus knew that Peter needed to fail—in order to be broken of self-confidence and self-reliance so he could do the work he was called to do.
After his failure, Peter did what many people do. He turned back to familiar things. Is this why Jesus prayed he would RETURN! Not surprising, Peter turned back to the one thing he did well: FISHING! He fished all night, but FAILED to catch even a minnow.
The incident serves as a vivid reminder to Peter (read the whole story in John 21) that Jesus had promised he would become a great fisher of men. Changing the analogy, but with the same intent, Jesus spoke the words: “feed my sheep.” The significance should not escape us. BECAUSE of his failure, Peter was ready to give up. And Jesus says BECAUSE of your failure, I can now use you.
Without a bitter experience of his own inadequacy, Peter was not ready to feed the sheep. Not until he had miserably failed in his own strength was Peter ready to fulfill his calling to be the great evangelist and shepherd of the early Church.
[Question: Does God MAKE you FAIL? Answer: No, You don’t need any help with that! He just allows you to dig your own hole and fall into it, knowing this will cause you to RETURN to Him.]
Accordingly, I thank God for showing me the failures of Peter. Peter, most confident of disciples, stepped out of the boat to walk on water and declared allegiance to Jesus to his last breath! Peter probably had few failures in his life—I wonder what he thought when Jesus foretold his failure (Luke 22:31-34).
I am also intrigued that Jesus did NOT say ‘Peter, I am praying you won’t fail.’ Rather Jesus prays: that 1) Peter’s faith will not fail, and 2) he will RETURN and strengthen his brothers. Why doesn’t Jesus just pray that Peter won’t fail? Wouldn’t Jesus’ prayer have been answered? Yes, but Jesus knew that Peter needed to fail—in order to be broken of self-confidence and self-reliance so he could do the work he was called to do.
After his failure, Peter did what many people do. He turned back to familiar things. Is this why Jesus prayed he would RETURN! Not surprising, Peter turned back to the one thing he did well: FISHING! He fished all night, but FAILED to catch even a minnow.
The incident serves as a vivid reminder to Peter (read the whole story in John 21) that Jesus had promised he would become a great fisher of men. Changing the analogy, but with the same intent, Jesus spoke the words: “feed my sheep.” The significance should not escape us. BECAUSE of his failure, Peter was ready to give up. And Jesus says BECAUSE of your failure, I can now use you.
Without a bitter experience of his own inadequacy, Peter was not ready to feed the sheep. Not until he had miserably failed in his own strength was Peter ready to fulfill his calling to be the great evangelist and shepherd of the early Church.
[Question: Does God MAKE you FAIL? Answer: No, You don’t need any help with that! He just allows you to dig your own hole and fall into it, knowing this will cause you to RETURN to Him.]
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
What Would God Say About You?
One of the Bible teachers I listen to online is Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. The Mars Hill church is 21st Century culture-friendly. As a leader of a very contemporary church, Mark Driscoll comes under criticism from conservative church leaders. Some of the criticism is based on lies and/or distortions of the truth.
One Sunday morning Mark was speaking on “suffering” in 1 Peter, and by way of personal example, told how he had suffered from the unfair, incorrect, even mean-spirited criticism he received. Mark felt justified in defending his reputation. But doing so was wearing him out. Out of his despair, the Lord spoke to Mark: will you trust Me with your reputation? And in that moment of surrender, Mark found freedom in no longer being concerned about what others thought of him!
As I reflected on Mark’s experience, l was reminded that all that really matters is how God esteems us. And I thought of God's words about Job: “And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.’”
And then the thought struck me: What would God say about me to Satan? “Have you considered my servant Greg? For there is no one like him in California, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.”
…excuse me while I lock myself in my closet for a few moments of honest self-assessment… (Oh, and by the way, what do you think God would say about you?)
One Sunday morning Mark was speaking on “suffering” in 1 Peter, and by way of personal example, told how he had suffered from the unfair, incorrect, even mean-spirited criticism he received. Mark felt justified in defending his reputation. But doing so was wearing him out. Out of his despair, the Lord spoke to Mark: will you trust Me with your reputation? And in that moment of surrender, Mark found freedom in no longer being concerned about what others thought of him!
As I reflected on Mark’s experience, l was reminded that all that really matters is how God esteems us. And I thought of God's words about Job: “And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.’”
And then the thought struck me: What would God say about me to Satan? “Have you considered my servant Greg? For there is no one like him in California, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.”
…excuse me while I lock myself in my closet for a few moments of honest self-assessment… (Oh, and by the way, what do you think God would say about you?)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Do You Love Me?
My last post was kind of a ‘downer,’ as we used to say. Hating one’s life is not an uplifting message. Jesus said His disciples would be known by their love (not their 'hate'!).
But we must be careful to explain that Jesus did not mean “self-love.” No, the antidote to self-loathing is not self-love. It is love of God for us, and our love for God. John says we love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
How much do you love Jesus? One indication of how much you love Him is whether you are obedient to His teaching (John 14:23). As you look at your own shortcomings, you probably question your love for Him and you realize how much more you need to love Him.
Such was the case with Peter. After Peter had greatly disappointed Jesus (and himself!) by denying Him at the defining moment of commitment, Peter was embarrassed and ashamed. He must have felt like a complete failure. So at the end of the John’s gospel, we find Peter leading a partial band of disciples back to the Galilee to go fishing. Perhaps Peter thought “at least this is something at which I am not a failure.” But guess what? Peter and the disciples failed to catch a single fish. Standing on the shore, Jesus (whom they did not recognize) called out for them to cast their nets to the other side. And of course they had a huge catch. At that moment, they recognized Jesus. And Peter jumped out of the boat and swam to shore. Can you see how much Peter must have loved Jesus?
But then, as they sat around the fire, eating the fish Jesus has prepared for their breakfast, Jesus asks Peter: “Do you love me?” Peter is unable to answer, using the same word for “love” that Jesus uses. Jesus says: “Do you agapao Me.” The word agapao could be translated “joyful obedience and commitment.” Peter answers: “Yes, Lord, I love You,” but using the word phileo. The word Peter uses is a weaker word for love, used generally for “friendship.”
It seems to me that Peter was embarrassed to say the he “loved” Jesus, after failing Him. Peter self-perception of past failures and the subsequent self-loathing distanced him from Jesus. He felt unworthy to receive Jesus love. And he felt he had failed in his love for Jesus.
Do you distance yourself from Jesus in the same way? Let us remember that is His love for us—an unconditional love—that is the basis for our love relationship. Whatever sins you have committed, the worst thing you can do is to distance yourself from Him. Do not let this keep you from receiving His healing love at that moment, and to pursue Him with all your heart.
But we must be careful to explain that Jesus did not mean “self-love.” No, the antidote to self-loathing is not self-love. It is love of God for us, and our love for God. John says we love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
How much do you love Jesus? One indication of how much you love Him is whether you are obedient to His teaching (John 14:23). As you look at your own shortcomings, you probably question your love for Him and you realize how much more you need to love Him.
Such was the case with Peter. After Peter had greatly disappointed Jesus (and himself!) by denying Him at the defining moment of commitment, Peter was embarrassed and ashamed. He must have felt like a complete failure. So at the end of the John’s gospel, we find Peter leading a partial band of disciples back to the Galilee to go fishing. Perhaps Peter thought “at least this is something at which I am not a failure.” But guess what? Peter and the disciples failed to catch a single fish. Standing on the shore, Jesus (whom they did not recognize) called out for them to cast their nets to the other side. And of course they had a huge catch. At that moment, they recognized Jesus. And Peter jumped out of the boat and swam to shore. Can you see how much Peter must have loved Jesus?
But then, as they sat around the fire, eating the fish Jesus has prepared for their breakfast, Jesus asks Peter: “Do you love me?” Peter is unable to answer, using the same word for “love” that Jesus uses. Jesus says: “Do you agapao Me.” The word agapao could be translated “joyful obedience and commitment.” Peter answers: “Yes, Lord, I love You,” but using the word phileo. The word Peter uses is a weaker word for love, used generally for “friendship.”
It seems to me that Peter was embarrassed to say the he “loved” Jesus, after failing Him. Peter self-perception of past failures and the subsequent self-loathing distanced him from Jesus. He felt unworthy to receive Jesus love. And he felt he had failed in his love for Jesus.
Do you distance yourself from Jesus in the same way? Let us remember that is His love for us—an unconditional love—that is the basis for our love relationship. Whatever sins you have committed, the worst thing you can do is to distance yourself from Him. Do not let this keep you from receiving His healing love at that moment, and to pursue Him with all your heart.
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