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Category Archives: Peter and John

Peter & John — Acts 5:1-11

13 Dec

Acts 5:1-11 NIV
[1] Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. [2] With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. [3] Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? [4] Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” [5] When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. [6] Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. [7] About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. [8] Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” [9] Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” [10] At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. [11] Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Dear God, I suppose there are at least two lessons in this story. The first is, you are not to be mocked/disrespected. Peter makes it clear that Ananias as Sapphira were not only lying to everyone else, but lying to you. Who did they they they were fooling?

Second, there is great danger in just putting on a show for others. I’ve been where they are. I’ve wanted to make myself look better than I really am. And there are times when I give in to that temptation. In the case of these two, I don’t know what would have happened to them if they had just told the truth—here’s a lot of the money, but we are keeping some for ourselves. I don’t know why the peer pressure dictated that they give it all. But there was obviously something wrong with lying about it. Peter even tried to give Sapphira a chance to come clean, but she didn’t take it.

Father, I’m thinking this out Peter in an awkward spot too. He had to lead all of these people through uncharted waters. I guess my prayer for myself is that I ask your forgiveness for the times I misrepresent myself to others for my own glory’s sake. I’m sorry if that has hurt them or your plan in any way. And I pray that you help me to lead when I’m in uncharted waters. Help me to completely submit to you and your still small voice, even when I think I know what I’m doing. Especially when I think I know what I’m doing.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 13, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 4:23-41

12 Dec

Acts 4:23-31 NIV
[23] On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. [24] When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. [25] You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “ ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? [26] The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one. ‘ [27] Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. [30] Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Dear God, I can’t even begin to put myself in their position. They were involved in something that no humans had ever experienced in history. They had this great news to share with people and they knew they were putting themselves in harms way with everyone if they shared it. Yes, on the surface you could say that others had been there before, but not like this.

I think they needed that filling of the Holy Spirit to even begin to move forward. How would they have ever done it otherwise? As much as they mention in their prayer about you giving The leaders the power to persecute, you also gave them the power to respond how they are responding. And these wonderful people and their reactions are part of the reason I am here today. I owe them a debt larger than I have probably considered before.

Father, please help me to be appropriately filled with the Holy Spirit at the moments you need me to be filled. Yes, I think the Holy Spirit is always with me and in me, but there is a difference between being present and those moments when you deem I need to be filled for your glory’s and plan’s sake. So help me to be sensitive to you and move through me so that I can be who you need me to be for all of those around me.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 12, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 4:1-22

11 Dec

Acts 4:1-22 NIV
[1] The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. [2] They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. [3] They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. [4] But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. [5] The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. [6] Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. [7] They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! [9] If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, [10] then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. [11] Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ [12] Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” [13] When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. [14] But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. [15] So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. [16] “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. [17] But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” [18] Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! [20] As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” [21] After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. [22] For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Dear God, this must have been such a confusing time for the church leaders in Jerusalem. They had stooped to murder. Now they needed to justify their actions by dealing harshly with Peter and John. But then it was hard to deal too harshly with them because they had performed a great miracle in Jesus’ name. It’s a time like this when your lifelong beliefs combine with your sin to box you into a corner.

As I sit her, I’m trying to think of times when my ego has kept me from doing what was right because it would mean I am wrong. Probably the best examples involve parenting decisions I have made. When I take the things that were taught to me about parenting as I grew up and combine them with the sin of making some parenting decisions out of the pain I experienced in the moment I know there have been times when I doubled down on my mistake instead of just repenting and seeking out truth and a wise path forward. I see politicians do this all of the time.

Father, please help me to not fall into the trap of letting my ego and pride get in the way of your truth and love. Help me to love justice, have mercy, and walk humbly with you, for your glory’s sake.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 11, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 3:11-26

10 Dec

Acts 3:11-26 NIV
[11] While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. [12] When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? [13] The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. [14] You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. [15] You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. [16] By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. [17] “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. [18] But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. [19] Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, [20] and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. [21] Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. [22] For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. [23] Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’ [24] “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. [25] And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ [26] When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

Dear God, this isn’t what I want to talk about, but I noticed something interesting in this. Peters short speech doesn’t include any action items beyond believing in Jesus and repenting. There are no commands to join a group of believers, love others, and/or sell what you have and give to the poor. Maybe these things were included in the speech and Luke omitted them, but it’s still interesting. I wonder what happened in the lives of those that believed that day.

What I really want to talk about is Peter taking full advantage of an opportunity. He had people gathered, a miracle happened, and so he shared with him the Good News.

It makes me wonder how many opportunities I’m missing. Should I be more intentional about the reading materials in the lobby? Should we be providing some sort of counseling at the food trailer when it comes to town? Should we maybe have a worship band there from First Baptist? I know I’m missing so many chances to touch people in need.

Father, make me mindful and direct me. Love through me. Bring others to you through me. Use me.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 10, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 3:1-10

05 Dec

Acts 3:1-10 NIV
[1] One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. [2] Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. [3] When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. [4] Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” [5] So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. [6] Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” [7] Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. [8] He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. [9] When all the people saw him walking and praising God, [10] they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Dear God, we never, to my memory get stories like this where John is the one who speaks and/or heals. It’s obvious why Peter is the leader of this group. He is constantly sticking himself out there.

Luke tells us twice that the gate where he sat is called Beautiful. My temptation is to read this as a reference to how beautiful this ever was, but he might have just been giving people of the time a description of exactly where this happened because they knew the spot. It helped to put them in the moment.

For Peter, I think he had a couple of things happening with him here. First off, he is obviously a man of compassion. That’s not a word we normally associate with him. But he looked right at the man and he acted. John, on the other hand, looked right at the same man and didn’t act. He never really does anything in this entire story. Is this an indictment of him or an acknowledgment that each of us has a role to play?

Father, help me to not be guilty of missed opportunities. Help me to be compassionate on every person who comes my way. Love through me and give me the boldness I need to act.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 5, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 2:14-41

04 Dec

Acts 2:14-41 NIV
[14] Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. [15] These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! [16] No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: [17] “ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. [18] Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. [19] I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. [20] The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. [21] And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ [22] “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. [23] This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. [24] But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. [25] David said about him: “ ‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. [26] Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, [27] because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. [28] You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ [29] “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. [30] But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. [31] Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. [32] God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. [33] Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. [34] For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand [35] until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ‘ [36] “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” [37] When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” [38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” [40] With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” [41] Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Dear God, I wonder what it would be like to take this sermon, outline it, and then preach a version of it today. It starts with establishing Jesus’ authority, backing it up with prophecy, pointing out their guilt in rejecting Him, and then offering grace through repentance.

It’s pretty simple really. I don’t know how much of it Peter planned out and how much was just the Holy Spirit overcoming him. It’s hard to imagine he had those passages from Joel and Psalms memorized. And maybe he paraphrased and Luke filled in with the actual text later. Either way, this was obviously and inspired moment and 3,000 people were converted.

When I am asked to preach I spend a lot of time in prayer while I prepare, but before I go up, my prayer shifts to simply asking the Holy Spirit to flow through me so that people will be able to hear my delivery. One thing I don’t do enough, I suppose, is praying for the hearts of those who are about to hear me. I can still be so self-centered that I care more about what I’m saying than the filters each person brings to the table when they are receiving what I have to say.

Father, move me one step closer to selflessness. Thank you for Peter’s message that morning 2,000 years ago. Thank you for its truth and power. Thank you for the life, death, resurrection, and reign of Jesus. I accept. I repent. I worship you.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 4, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 1:16-26

03 Dec

Acts 1:15-26 NIV
[15] In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) [16] and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. [17] He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” [18] (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. [19] Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) [20] “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “ ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “ ‘May another take his place of leadership.’ [21] Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, [22] beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” [23] So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. [24] Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen [25] to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” [26] Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Dear God, though it’s never mentioned, I think Peter and the apostles make a mistake here. I think they were trying too hard. I’ve mentioned this in reference to this passage before. It’s interesting to note that Matthias is never mentioned again the the Bible outside of these verses.

I think that Peter was trying too hard and trying to take upon himself the responsibility of fulfilling prophecy. Better said, he was looking to prophecy as his guide. And in the case of David’s 109th Psalm, I question how much of that was prophecy anyway. And it’s important to note that no one is recorded as disagreeing with him. John and everyone else followed his lead.

Peter did a lot of things right, but he did them when he wasn’t really trying. He healed people. He broke the ground on eating unclean food. But in the confusion of this time—in the fog of war—he tried to rush your timing. There is no way he could have foreseen what would end up happening with Paul’s conversion and subsequent apostleship. But I think this is a lesson for all of us that if we are faithful about your work then you will bring us what and who we need.

Father, I am in the midst of the time of year when we need donations at our clinic. It’s fundraising season. And I confess to you that I get fearful and my temptation is to try to force things. Help me to have the faith I need to watch your plan unfold over time. Help me to live not in denial, but in your peace. And work through me so that others might see you in everything I do and be drawn to you.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 3, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — John 21:18-24

30 Nov

John 21:18-24 NIV
[18] Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” [19] Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” [20] Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) [21] When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” [22] Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” [23] Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” [24] This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

Dear God, I read something interesting yesterday by Eugene Peterson in his book Run With The Horses: The Quest For Life At Its Best:

Scripture, however, doesn’t play that game. Something very different takes place in the life of faith: each person discovers all the elements of a unique and original adventure. We are prevented from following in another’s footsteps and are called to an incomparable association with Christ. The Bible makes it clear that every time that there is a story of faith, it is completely original.

This passage calls this to mind. We want to compare ourselves with others to see how we measure up. If we perceive they are living worse than us then we feel better about ourselves. If we think their lives are better than ours then we feel worse. The common denominator is that it’s about us and our expectations for how good our lives should be.

What I think Jesus is trying to teach Peter, John, and even us today through this conversation is that we need to stop trying to use the lives of others to benchmark our own. Sure, we can use others as inspiration and encouragement, but our eyes need to be on the path you have for us and the race you have for us to walk. Oh, how I hope I’m getting mine right in your eyes and accomplishing what you need to accomplish through me.

Father, thank you for the comfort that you do give me. Thank you for your love. Help me to be at peace with my life and to make my decisions based on your still small voice and counsel through the Holy Spirit. I have some decisions to make even today—some big ones. Help me to be wise.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on November 30, 2018 in John, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — John 21:12-17

29 Nov

John 21:12-17 NASB
[12] Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples ventured to question Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord. [13] Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise. [14] This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead. [15] So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” [16] He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” [17] He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.

Dear God, the thing that we lose when reading something versus hearing it is tone of voice. The thing we lose by not seeing it is body language. I feel like these passages have suffered from that loss. I’d love to hear Jesus’ and Peter’s voices during this exchange. I’d love to see Jesus’ facial expressions and body language. I wonder what John saw and heard in that moment.

I heard a long time ago something I’ve never verified for myself. Someone once told me that Jesus keeps asking Peter if he “agape” loves Him and Peter answer that he “phileo” loves Jesus. I suppose I should look that up one day. It’s never really made sense to me that in that moment Peter wouldn’t come back to Jesus with the same type of love he was requesting.

Either way, by the end of this conversation it seems that Peter is not only restored from the denying three times story, but he is completely set up to lead the new church. Basically, he has his head back on straight again. Grace has freed him.

I heard about a friend yesterday who made a mistake and I have a feeling they are walking around with a lot of guilt. Now I can see that friend acting out and in a funk, and I have a feeling that what is truly needed right now is freedom from that mistake and others that this friend has made.

Father, my wife and I are doing something today to support. Friend that puts us out of our comfort zone. Please help us to do it well. Help us to be ministers of your grace and peace. Give us wisdom and discernment at any given moment, and even be with us while we drive alone. Strengthen us through each other. Let your Holy Spirit be in the car with us and counsel us so that we might really do the right things by the people around us.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on November 29, 2018 in John, Peter and John

 

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John 21:1-11

28 Nov

John 21:1-11 NASB
[1] After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way. [2] Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. [3] Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. [4] But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. [5] So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” [6] And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. [7] Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. [8] But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish. [9] So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread. [10] Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.” [11] Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.

Dear God, it’s hard sometimes to read these stories with new, fresh eyes when they are stories I’ve read so many times before and about which I’ve already had some strong opinions. In this case, this is a great Peter story that gives us a pretty good looking into his emotional state and his impulsiveness.

I love the simple line, “I’m going fishing.” Back to the roots. I wonder how long it had been since he had been fishing. I wonder whose boat they used. They were back at the Sea of Galilee. Perhaps they used John’s and James’ dad’s boats. Maybe they fished on and off again over the years. There’s so much we don’t know. But we do know that These five guys were together and Peter finally decided to go and fish and maybe even make a little money. The other four followed him.

Then, to add insult to injury, they didn’t catch anything. Peter’s sense of being lost and depressed after having denied Jesus is now being piled upon with fruitless work. And then Jesus shows up.

I guess I am seeing something new here. It’s from Jesus. If I were mapping this out, I would think that Jesus came back from the dead and then had a strategy session with the disciples before he ascended. His seemingly infrequent appearances are interesting and now what I would expect. I guess he was teaching them some lessons about independent thinking and getting along without himself. I’m sure their conversations while he wasn’t around were full of “What do we do next?” questions.

Father, I guess that’s how you still work with us today. In a lot of ways, we are left to struggle through and depend upon our own intelligence, intuition and experience to solve problems or make choices, all the while seeking your wisdom and discernment. I know that’s how I feel right now. We are doing strategic planning at work and we are working hard to discern your will while trying to layer our collective contributions we bring to the table. My wife and I are doing the same thing with some challenges we are facing. I have to say, It’d be nice if you’d just hire a sky writer and tell us what to do, but this is also a good process. So thank you for the struggle. Thank you for your love. Please speak to all of us as we wrestle through these challenges.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on November 28, 2018 in John, Peter and John

 

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