Spiritual Formation - Part 3 (Post 6)

As we consider some of the ways we observe Jesus' forming Peter, today

Read Luke 9: 28 - 36

This is one of the monumental hinge points of Jesus' earthly years, his work.  And Peter was allowed to be an eye witness!  Jesus was about to set out for Jerusalem and for the trauma that would face him there.  He knew it.  So he went up on a mountain to pray, taking 3 of his closest and dearest apostles with him.  

The affirmation Jesus needed before he walked into Jerusalem came.  It came by way of Moses and Elijah - the quintessential representatives of all of Judaism.  These two men represented the "law" (Moses) and the "prophets" (Elijah).  And they came from the "other side" to encourage and affirm the Son of God.  Astounding!  Jesus would not take one step without it being the will of God the Father.  In this encounter, we see him seeking and receiving affirmation and approval from God.  

What about Peter?  I think he was absolutely overwhelmed with the situation.  I can't even imagine what it would have been like.  He was so stunned ... and so moved ... and so intent on honoring those three men standing before him ... that he made the recommendation.  Let's build three tabernacles to honor each of the three.  And God again broke the barrier and spoke into time-space history.  God wanted Peter to know that these three men were not all equal.  The Jewish people had been instructed to listen to Moses and to listen to Elijah ... but there was one greater than either now.  And they were to listen to him - listen to Jesus.

The next principle in our spiritual formation observations is:

Listen to Jesus - hear his voice first

First means "first" - before our culture - before our friends - before advice from other humans.  As you read and study scripture, be sure to continue returning to the gospels.  Keep going back to the words of Jesus. Let them be the plumb line by which all other words are measured.  Listen to Jesus ... hear him.

Let's consider one other scene today.

Read Matthew 18: 21 - 25

I wonder how long Peter had been thinking about this question.  He was a good Jew - a law-abiding Jewish man.  The rabbis at this time said if a man offended you, you should forgive him two times.  But if he did it a third time, you were not under obligation to forgive.  So Peter, knowing that Jesus was a merciful rabbi, stretched it far ... up to 7 times?  And Jesus responds with this story.  

What's the point of the story?  It's not obscure.  It's not difficult.  Forgive - always.  The reason it matters so much is because it is necessary for our own hearts.  It is the only way to guard your heart and mind against bitterness and resentment.  It frees you to get on with your own life.  The message is not hard - but the "doing" of it is extremely difficult!  It takes practice.  It takes diligence.  It takes determination.  It takes the mind of Christ. Ask God to bring to your mind any person toward whom you may be harboring unforgiveness.  Ask Him to help you put it down - help you move beyond the chains.  Remember, we just noticed that we are to listen to Jesus.  So, my friends, that means - forgive!  

The principle?

Forgive ---- Always!

And by the grace of God ... you can!

Spiritual Formation - Part 2 (Post 5)

How do I "grow up" in my faith?  What shapes faith?  Amy Grant, early in her career, sang a song that has stuck in my mind over these many years.  The title?  "Fat Little Baby".  It was not about an adorable, round, precious little baby.  It was about Christians who never grow past the fat baby stage.  They remain stuck, by their own choice, in the demanding, self absorbed stage of an infant.  They never grow.  Peter addressed the problem in the first of his letters. He said,

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2: 2 - 3)

You see, the goal of spiritual life is to grow up - not stay a fat little baby.  Are you growing?  The question in front of us is one of spiritual growth.  What forms us spiritually?  To try and answer we are observing the way Jesus shaped Peter.

We discovered two principles for spiritual formation in Post 4.  They are:

1. Trust God ... and do kingdom of God work.
2. Keep your focus on the Lord ... not on your circumstances.

Today let's continue our observations as Jesus shapes Peter ...

Read John 6: 60 - 69

Jesus is a popular figure.  People all over Galilee flocked to hear him - to experience the wonders he performed - to be healed - to be fed - the LOVE this Rabbi!  We read a discourse in John 6 that marked a change in the crowd's mindset.  Jesus began to do more than perform miracles.  He began to teach hard things.  I think these few verses are some of the saddest in all of scripture.  Masses turned and walked away. They deserted this Rabbi.  They didn't understand or like what he taught.  So they left.  You can feel the heaviness in the atmosphere as Jesus asked his 12 closest followers about their intentions.  Peter responded with his faithfulness.  He would NOT leave.  He would stay.  He would follow.  What do we learn?  What principle can we add to our own knowledge of what it means to be a growing disciple?

Choose faithfulness - even when the instructions are difficult.

Read Matthew 15: 1 - 20

An interesting conversation!  Peter heard it all.  And Peter was serious enough about his own "spiritual formation" that he questioned Jesus to be sure that he understood.  These Pharisees were challenging a basic premise of Judaism's understanding of "cleanness" before God.  Ceremonial hand washing was basic in Judaism - foundational.  So was Jesus saying it didn't matter?  Peter said, "Explain it."  And Jesus does.  God requires a pure heart.  Everything else spills out of the heart.  Ceremonial hand washing was just that - ceremonial.  It was not the core.  Jesus took his twelve disciples to the core - the root.  And he would take you and I there as well.  Do you want to "grow up" spiritually?  If your answer is "yes", then you must check your heart.  Listen to what comes out of your mouth.  Observe your attitudes and behaviors.  When we erupt in rage - know that it comes from the heart.  When we gossip and slander another - know that it comes from the heart.  When we wallow in self-indulgence - know that it comes from the heart.  When we refuse to forgive and desire revenge - know that it comes from the heart.  When we are hypocritical, saying one thing and doing another - know that it comes from the heart.  What principle can we add to our growing list?

Be more concerned about the condition of your heart than with outward forms and ceremonies.

Let's close our reflection today with the words of David - a prayer - one that we would benefit from praying each and every morning before our feet hit the ground - before the business of our day begins.  If you have not prayed it yet today, I invite you to join me right now ...

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

 (Psalm 51:10)

Spiritual Formation - Part 1 (Post 4)

Peter, as one of Jesus' close and intimate disciples, was following, listening, learning from his Rabbi.  In the process, he was being formed by Jesus.  He was being shaped spiritually.  That's what spiritual formation is all about - that shaping.  That's what discipleship is all about - being transformed to be like the Lord.

Dallas Willard speaks of spiritual formation:

The reason for the recent abrupt emergence of the terminology into religious life is, I believe, a growing suspicion or realization that we have not done well with the reality and the need.  We have counted on preaching, teaching, and knowledge or information to form faith in the hearers, and have counted on faith to form the inner life and outward behavior of the christian.  But, for whatever reason, this strategy has not turned out well. the result is that we have multitudes of professing Christians who well may be ready to die, but obviously are not ready to live, and can hardly get along with themselves, much less with others.

What did Peter have to learn?  What did Jesus use to shape him spiritually?  In our study together, we are going to observe several instances - both conversations and events - where Peter is being spiritually formed.  And by the grace of God, we can glean some principles and guidelines that will help us as we long to be shaped so that we reflect the image of Christ in our worlds.  

Let's read ... watch for Peter and think about what he would be hearing and learning ... and then join me for a few observations:

Read Luke 6: 1 - 6

Observations:
          1.  Jesus gave the 12 both the power and the authority to do His work.  Power has to do with ability and authority has to do with the right to do it.  I think Peter needed to learn that his work was now kingdom work ... which is to be an extension of Jesus Himself.  

          2.  Peter and the others had to learn that their trust was to be in God - not in themselves or their abilities or their resources.  

          3.  They had to accept the kindnesses of others as they were serving.  Why is it so often easier to be the "helper" than to be the recipient?  Does it have to do with pride?  

Principle #1 for Spiritual Formation:

Trust God and do the work.

Read Matthew 14: 25 - 33

Observations:

          1.  Peter was willing.  Peter's desire was to be a faithful and responsive disciple.  I love him for that.  

          2.  Peter voiced his doubt.  He asked, "Lord, IF it is you ..."  I love his honesty.  God can handle our doubts.  I believe God is honored most when His followers are willing to step out in faith even when there are pesky, nagging thoughts of doubt and confusion.  

          3.  Jesus knew Peter would sink.  Jesus knew Peter would loose his focus and become afraid of the circumstances.  So why did He invite Peter to come on out?  I think it is because Jesus is in the business of shaping him.  And Jesus knew (and still knows!) that lessons learned through failure are the most powerful ones.  

Principle #2 for Spiritual Formation:

Keep your focus on the Lord, not the circumstances.

(to be continued)

Jesus' Touch (Post 3)

Our man Peter has become to be a true "disciple" of Jesus.  That means that he has left his occupation to be with the Rabbi 24 hours of every day - to walk with him, to listen to him, to "follow" him.  Today, think about Peter being with Jesus in the encounters we will read.  How would you have reacted?  What would you have thought?

Read Luke 8: 40 - 56

The contrasts between these two people are remarkable.  

     Person #1:  Jairus was his name - leader in the local Synagogue.  That meant a Jewish man who was welcomed everywhere in Capernaum.  That also meant he was in the upper echelon of the society of the town.  He had means.  Important person.

     Person #2:  woman - unnamed - unclean for 12 years.  Leviticus 15 informs us that a woman was considered "unclean" during her monthly flow of blood.  And there was ceremonial cleansing that she must go through to be considered "clean" again.  She could not be touched - nor could she touch - anyone during her time of "uncleanness".  That meant that this woman had not been able to go to Synagogue for TWELVE YEARS!  That meant that she had not been "touched" for TWELVE YEARS!  Shunned from society.  Marginalized.  Insignificant.

Two people - both desperate - both seeking out Jesus.  One seeks openly - well, he could.  He mattered.  The other was stealthily - secretive - well, she had to.  She was untouchable.  Peter was aware of both.  Peter watched Jesus handle both.  I wonder what was in his mind.

Some observations from these two encounters:

First, notice Peter's relationship with Jesus that is depicted by his response to Jesus' question, "Who touched me?"  His response is even a little 'snarky'!  It's as if he was saying, "Are you kidding me?  The better question would be who didn't touch you.  The crowd is pressing us all around.  Lots of people are touching you!"   I like the comfortableness that we see in Peter's response to Jesus.  Peter is "at home" with Him.  And he felt perfectly at ease to say what went through his mind.  There is no disrespect - just honesty.  Are you that open with Jesus when you pray?   Or do you feel that you cannot be yourself - that you have to put on some kind of persona that, in your mind, is more "spiritual"?  Peter could be himself with Jesus.  I want that kind of relationship with the Lord.  

Second, notice the courage of this woman.  She most likely had been shunned for all these many years.  It took incredible courage to push her way into this crowd.  Had someone spotted her - known her story - they could legally begin to shout, "Unclean!  Unclean!", pointing her out and adding another layer to her shame.  Courage - do you need a dose today?  What are you facing - perhaps that you have dealt with for years - where you need the courage to honestly take the situation to the Lord?  Reach out to Jesus - touch Him.  

Third, Jesus called Jairus' daughter "asleep" while the world called her "dead".  So he told the mourners to stop the weeping and wailing.  This is not a condemnation of grief - of tears over loss.  Even Jesus wept when he witnessed the sadness over the death of his friend, Lazarus.  This was something else.  Perhaps this was his way of telling us that there is no reason to "wail" when one is merely asleep.  We have to remember that when we face the death of beloved ones - ones who belong to God - ones who walked with Him.  Always remember the words of Paul that echo Jesus.  In 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 - 18:

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.  We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.  According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in  Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage each other with these words.  (NIV)

Paul knew it ... Peter learned it at the bedside of this young girl ... do you know it?  There are tears over loss and sadness ... but there is weeping and wailing when there is no hope.  To which group do you belong?  

Peter is "Called" (Post 2)

Peter grew up in Bethsaida - a small fishing village on the northern end of the Sea of Galilee.  

He would have had a typical education for a Hebrew boy in Galilee.  That education consisted of early schooling at the Synagogue.  It usually lasted until about 10 - 12 years old and was centered on Torah - the Hebrew scriptures.  If a boy was particularly interested, and able, he would go on to the next level.  Still at Synagogue, he would listen to the rabbis discuss and debate Torah and the prophets - continuing to memorize scripture.  If a boy was not particularly interested or able, he would go home to learn the family business and take his place alongside his father and other family members to make a living for the family. After this second level of education, those boys who were passionate about Torah - who showed a gift for learning and understanding Torah - they would go out in search of a rabbi to "follow".   "Following" meant they boys would then walk with the chosen rabbi.  They would be with him 24/7 - going everywhere he went, listening to everything he said, doing what he did  - trying to "be" like the rabbi.  There was an interview process through which the rabbi would decide if that young man had the passion and the ability to be his disciple.  Only after that, if the rabbi deemed the young man worthy, would the chosen rabbi say, "Follow me".  Now, and only now, was the young man his "disciple".  After years of following the chosen rabbi - there would come a day when the rabbi would say to the disciple - "You are ready.  Now, go and make disciples."  

We don't know how much education Peter had.  All we know is that he is fishing - in the family business.  So, what does that tell you about him?  In the book of Acts, some people describe him as being "uneducated".  I wonder when Peter's training at the Synagogue stopped.  Was it after the first level?  Did he return to learn the family business at about 12 years old?  We don't know.  But he was fishing.

Read Mark 1: 14 - 18 and Luke 5: 1 - 11

As you observe these details, create the scenario in your mind.  

Now read John 1: 35 - 42

What do these details add to your knowledge of Peter, the man?  

Jesus saw something in Peter (and Andrew, James and John) - something that made them stand out to Him. I think they knew each other.  I think Peter had been listening to this local 'rabbi'.  I think there was some familiarity.  And I think Peter was honest enough to see himself, compared to Jesus, as a sinful man.  And Jesus says to him, "You - follow me".  That is discipleship language.  And Peter chooses to "follow".  

Do you remember Jesus' words to His disciples in John 15:16?  Jesus is preparing them for His death and departure, and he says,

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last.

And Jesus comes to you as well.  He stepped into history and said,

If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.

So the question comes to us as well.  Do we want to be a "disciple"?  Do we want to walk and live with the Rabbi Jesus, consumed with a passion to become like Him?  It is as pertinent a question for us as it was in the first century.  Peter "immediately" said "yes".  What do you say?  

Introduction to the Life and Teaching of Peter (Post 1)

Welcome to this study that will swirl around Peter, the apostle.  We know a little about him ... but we would love to know so much more!  His life seems to be marked by dichotomy:  there is courage and weakness; we see victory and failure; we observe great passion in juxtaposition against fear of what 'others' might think; there is promise and disappointment.  Sounds a bit like my life ... how about yours?

Our study will divide itself into two sections.  We will fist observe what we can about Peter as a man through the gospels and his interactions with Jesus.  We will go into the book of Acts and see him as a central person in the birth and development of the early Jerusalem church.

The second half of our study will be observing (and listening to) Peter as a pastor - as a shepherd.  We will do this through his letters, 1 and 2 Peter.  You learn quite a lot about a person when you are privy to their correspondence.  What a privilege to have Peter's heart preserved for us through these letters.

Today ... some introductory information ...

First, about the gospels.  Mark was the first one written down - estimated sometime between 60 - 70 CE. Most scholars believe that both Matthew and Luke took their basic structure from the gospel Mark had written down.  John came years - probably at the end of the first century.  We will use all three to gain as well rounded a picture as we possibly can.

Second, about fishing at the time.  In this period, fishing boomed around the Sea of Galilee.  Now it was possible to dry (pickle) fish; thus it could be delivered to regions farther away.  Until the middle of the 20th century CE, fishermen fished there the same way as in the time of the New Testament:  a net was spread between two boats, then pulled together so that the fish were trapped in the area enclosed by the net.

Third, about Peter's hometown, Bethsaida.  The name means "house of fishing" and the town was on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.  The first-century historian Flavius Josephus was so impressed by the area that he wrote, 'One may call this place the ambition of nature,'  Josephus also reported a thriving fishing industry at this time, with 230 boats regularly working in the lake.

And lastly, about education.  Young boys in Jewish families were expected to go to the synagogue for some schooling.  We have no reason to think that Peter did not follow this pattern.  So as a boy, he would have first been taught by his parents, and then moved on to the synagogue for instruction by the Rabbi.  The traditional way was by word of mouth and repetition.  We will read that Peter was described as "uneducated" in Acts.  We don't know if he could write.  We do know that he used an amanuenis, which was a scribe or ghostwriter for his letters.  We also know that he had not gone further in the rabbinical teaching ... because he was about the family business ... he was a fisherman.

But first he was just a little boy!

Lord we pray that you will give us insight and wisdom as we study this wonderful and remarkable man.  Help us see his strengths ... and in that strength, find more of our own.  Help us see his weaknesses ... and in those weaknesses by aware of our own.  Help us listen to his wisdom gained from nearness to you and years of experience ... and be willing to make changes in our own lives if those words point out the need for change. Thank you for preserving his story for us.  Thank you for Peter.