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!