Peter as Pastor - Epilogue (P 33)

I have loved delving into the life and teachings of Peter.  I have thrilled to watch as Jesus shaped and transformed him into a giant pillar of faith and of the church.  I love his honesty.  I love his bluntness. I love his total lack of passive-aggressive behaviors.  I love his teachable spirit.  I love his quick repentance and turnings.  I would like to be more like this apostle of our Lord's.

We have come to his final words to his "beloved".  His last words and reminders to those believers that were so dear to his heart.  Let's listen ... perhaps they are for us as well!

Read 2 Peter 3: 14 - 18

So then ... when all is said and done ... since we are people who are anticipating Christ's return to earth ... there are some things we are "to do".  We are not to be passive observers.  We are to be active participants.

First - we are to "make every effort" (that screams diligence and determination, no?) "to live peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight." (New Living Translation)    Really?  Even in this particular culture and time?  Yes.  Even now.

In The Women of Faith Study Bible, we read:

We don't know if it is a thousand years away or tomorrow.  But Jesus is coming.  Peter paints a vivid and shocking picture of the consummation of time.  Like a thief in the night, Jesus will return, the heavens and the earth will be consumed and a new order will begin.  A new heaven and earth will replace the old.  Yet this news does not seem to be the focal point of Peter's teaching.
Here is Peter's message about the end times.  It comes down to seven simple words:  What kind of person should you be?  Peter call us to invest our energy in living 'spotless, blameless' lives.
Our confidence that Jesus will return is not meant to draw us into complex speculations on when and where and how.  Rather, it should move us into godly living that will honor him and empower us to reach those who do not yet know his grace.

Is that your top goal?  Does it even make your list of life goals at all?  If not, why not?  Do we think it doesn't matter?  How do you define blameless?  Do you use comparison with our culture ... or maybe comparison with other church members ... to define it for you?  Are you willing to take this plea to God Himself and ask Him to shape your definitions?  To place in your heart and spirit the DESIRE for it?

God, help us want this!  More than we want anything else.

Second - we are not to get frustrated or angry or complacent as we wait for Christ's return.  Peter wants us to realize that this long delay means salvation for some!  Even when life seems so hard and so unfair and so cruel.  I'm not sure a person can be "at peace" with this thought unless they truly "love" other people.  They have to care about their salvation - their peace with God.  Peter had learned to care about the salvation of the Gentiles, as well as his own Jewish brothers and sisters.  He had to learn it.  So do we.

Do I truly care about others?  What about the 'others' who are not like me - at all.  What about other cultures, others countries, other nationalities, other faiths?  Do I care?  Do you?

Lord, help us love!  Your love - extended to others.  

Third - we are to grow.  I love verse 18.  In fact, I chose it as the theme verse for our Women's Ministry at my church.  "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 
Grow.  Doesn't matter how old you are ... grow more.  Doesn't matter who knowledgeable you are in matters of scripture and faith ... grow more.  Keep growing.  Make every effort!

There are two branches on this tree of growth.  One is - in the grace of our Lord.  Grow in understanding how that grace, that unearned favor of God, belongs to you.  There is security there. There is peace there.  Also grow in your extension of that grace to others - the ones you want to be grace-ful toward ... and the ones that you don't.  Grow.

The other branch is the knowledge of our Lord.  Grow in your knowledge of who Jesus is ... what He was like when He walked on the planet ... what kinds of things He said ... what kinds of things He did.  Know more this year than you did last.  Know more - not to impress anyone - not to flaunt your superior knowledge to anyone else - but so that you will know the LORD, Himself, better.  Grow.

Lord, I desire to grow.  Be my stimulant and source.  Be my root and water. 

 Be my sun.  Grow me.  

Peter modeled these things for us.  We have watched him and listened to him.

Now it's our turn.  We do have more knowledge after walking with Peter.  So - what will we do with it?  That's the question as we close this study.  That's always the question.  What will you do ... now that you know?

I pray God's blessings on each of you as you read.  Thank you for joining me on this journey.

As we close ...

To God be glory both now and forever!  Amen.

Peter as Pastor - Not to Be Forgotten - 2 Peter 3 (P 32)

We have come to Peter's last reminders and instructions to his readers - his "beloved".  Who in your life is "beloved"?  I have viewed Peter all throughout this Bible study as a man of passion.  He not only loves his fellow believers ... they are "beloved".  That adjective descriptor means one who is "greatly loved; dear to the heart."  Over the top ... that's our Peter ... that's his love.

Read 2 Peter 3: 1 - 13

Peter returns to the theme he wrote about in chapter 1, before he got distracted by the warnings against false teachers.  This theme seems to be prominent in his mind.  It seems that Jesus' delay in returning was seriously undermining many believers faith.  So Peter reiterates what he has told them before.

It WILL happen.  Jesus IS returning.

The ancient prophetic writers promised it.

The apostles promise it.

Jesus Himself promised it.

Those who ridicule this truth will meet their own destruction.  

Peter also reminds his "beloved" of something about God that we, also, forget ALL THE TIME!
God does not work on human time lines.  Linear time is a thing of this created world.  It is human. Jehovah God exists outside of linear time.  We cannot, indeed must not, apply human standards of timing onto God.  Peter encourages his readers to quit doing that.  Jesus is returning.  The fact that it had not yet happened did not diminish the truth.

What is going on in your life right now that could use this reminder?  What prayers do you continually bring before your Father that SEEM to go unanswered?  Perhaps you, too, could use Peter's reminder to quit applying human timing to God.  Will you trust Him?  Any chance God knows more than you do?  Never forget Peter's words:  "The LORD is not slow about His promise, as some think of slowness ...".

Peter reminds ... again ... that we are in a time of waiting ... a time of faith ... waiting for the new heavens and the new earth.  Times of waiting are hard.  We don't like to wait.  For anything!  But some things are worth waiting for, are they not?  The new heavens and the new earth.  Anticipation. Dream about what it will be like.  We know from John's writings in Revelation that the pain, the sorrows, the tears that mark this current earth will be gone.  John also tells us that we won't even need the sun because beautiful light will stream from the throne of God.  Reread those phenomenal descriptions in Revelation 21 - 22.  It will thrill your soul again.  Anticipation.  It's coming.

I am reading from the New Revised Standard version this morning.  And I love the way these translators translate Peter's words in 2 Peter 3:13:

But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.

Righteousness is not "at home" in our current world - regardless of what country or what part of any country you live in.  Righteousness is certainly not at home in our politics, in our business practices, in our treatment of peoples, in the distribution of the the world's wealth, in justice, and sometimes, even in our churches.  I long for a time and a place where righteousness is "at home".  Where it is the "norm".  I want to live there.  I want to make my home there.

It's coming ...

Peter as Pastor - False Teachers - 2 Peter 2 (P 31)

Have you ever wondered about how in the world you identify "false teachers"?  Most of us aren't very confident in our ability to do so.  Most of us are putty in the hands of a charismatic teacher.  How can you know?

At the end of chapter 1, Peter has written about prophecy - inspired by God - not open to personal interpretation.  Then he seems to take a side road.  Writing about prophecy reminds him of the problem of false prophets.  Israel had been plagued by them her entire history.  Peter knew that the fledgling church would be as well.  So he writes about identifying them.  We know it is an important topic because Paul also warns about them in 2 Timothy as does Jude in his little letter.  So, Peter, Paul and Jude all think that warnings about false teachers are important for believers.  Let's listen ...

For our reading today, begin with 2 Peter 1: 19 and read through 2:22

A sobering read, no?  Allow me to share a few observations.  I know you will have your own.  Post them for us.

First, the words Peter used leave no room for ambivalence toward the subject.  Destruction, exploitation, deception ... then condemnation.  Serious words for a serious problem.

Second, false teachers WILL bear consequences for their lies - and the consequences are severe.  Peter used 4 illustrations:  the rebellious angels, the people in the days of Noah, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and Balaam.  Peter assures his readers that God is not "idle" - He sees - and He will respond.

Third, the primary characteristic of false teachers is they deny Jesus as sovereign Lord and they live ungodly lives.  This is important because I have heard believers called "false teachers" when they have expressed a different interpretation of a particular scripture.  That does not make one a false teacher. We know that because of what we read about Apollos in Acts 18.  His understanding was off - not his heart.  That's different.

Warren Wiersbe provides a good working definition for us:  "False teachers are professed believers who know the truth but who deliberately teach lies in the hope of promoting themselves and getting financial gain from their followers."

Jesus called them "wolves in sheep's clothing" (Matthew 7:15).  Jesus told stories about "weeds growing among the wheat" (Matthew 13: 24 - 30).

This threat is from "within".   So we must stay alert.  We must pray for wisdom and discernment.  We must stay in tune with the Word of God.

OK ... how can we discern in our day?  What are some of the warning signs which should make our "false teacher detector buzzers" go off?

1.  They exalt themselves more than they exalt Christ.

2.  They talk of righteousness ... but there is no fruit of righteousness in their lives.  The talk is counterfeit.  

3.  There is a huge emphasis on making money, exploiting people for money.

4.  There are great claims that they can change people.  

5.  They are exposed to have hidden lives of lust and sin.

Peter, we hear you!  We choose to stay on alert.  We choose to be very careful about how we throw around the descriptor of "false teacher".  We choose to ask the Holy Spirit to be our divine interpreter for all things of God.  We choose to stay in God's Word.  We choose to use that Word as the plumb line for ideas and theories and teachings.

We choose to exalt Jesus as Lord.  

Peter as Pastor - Epiphany - 2 Peter 1 (P 30)

Have you had any epiphany moments in your life?  I would love to be sitting around a room with you sharing them together!  When have you seen God?  When have you heard from Him?  What has sealed your faith journey so that you will not walk away?  Those are epiphany moments!

Peter had one.  From what we have learned about Peter in this study, he has had many more than one. In our passage for today however, he references one of the most dramatic in his own life and walk with Jesus.  Read our passage from Peter first, then go back to the gospel and read the account of the 'moment' itself.

2 Peter 1: 16 - 21

Matthew 17: 1 - 8

What do you learn?  Peter reported what he learned.  In verse 16 we read that Peter learned Jesus was "coming".  Strange language since Jesus was with them.  But Peter saw the "coming of our Lord Jesus Christ".   Those first century Christians believed that Jesus would return - that He was coming.  They expected it.  They watched for it.  And they were beginning to get discouraged because days, weeks, months, years were passing and He had not come.  Peter writes to assure them that Jesus was, indeed, coming.  Because Peter himself had seen it.  He had seen Jesus returned.  He saw him that day on the mountain accompanied by two of Israel's faithful prophets.  Not perfect men, remember, but faithful men - Moses and Elijah.

It was a prophetic message.  One that had been spoken of for centuries.  The Holy Spirit had revealed this truth to prophets - they did not think it up to offer encouragement to a beleaguered people.  The message had come from God.  The prophets spoke what God, through His Holy Spirit directed.  Peter knew the prophetic messages.  And this moment on the mountain confirmed that message.  So Peter tells us that "we would do well to be attentive to this."  Are you?

Over two thousand years have passed since this writing.  Perhaps we need this reminder even more than those early believers.  We grow calloused to the reality.  We no longer watch with expectation for Jesus' return.  But Peter reassures all believers that Jesus, indeed, is coming.  He knows it ... because he saw it.  Do you believe it?  Will He find you faithful when the time is right?  Or do you subconsciously think the way you live today does not really matter?  Will you live today with that reality in the forefront of your mind?  He is coming, my friends.  May He find us faithful.

I love the language Peter chose to communicate exactly what this reality means to our lives here and now.  This belief, this truth, is like a "lamp shining in a dark place."  And our world is indeed a dark place!  As I write, the events in Charleston, S Carolina have recently transpired.  Innocent people, gathered in a church to worship God, gunned down senselessly, insanely.  Darkness.  As I write a group of people from my home church are on their way to Haiti.  They will encounter poverty and human misery that marks the lives of so many people.  They will encounter voodoo and evil. Darkness.
This world is a dark place and in desperate need of a lamp.  Here it is!  This belief - this 'knowing' that Jesus is coming - is like a lamp.  He is coming.  And He will make things right.

What happens when He comes?  It will be like "day dawning ... and the morning star rising in our hearts."

Dawn is coming.  

I believe it.  

I know it.  

Thank you, Peter, for sharing this epiphany with us!    

Peter as Pastor - Reminders - 2 Peter 1 (P 29)

We don't know how much time has elapsed since Peter's first letter.  Many scholars are not convinced that Peter even wrote this second epistle that bears his name.  Some think that another 'writer' penned the words, even after Peter's death, and applied his name to it for authenticity.  That was not an uncommon practice at the time.  Those scholarly debates are interesting (if such things interest you!) but they need not diminish our ability to glean wisdom from these pages from our biblical canon. Since Peter's name is on the letter, I plan to respond to it as if Peter were, indeed, the writer.

Let's begin ...    read 2 Peter 1: 1 - 15

Peter writes to believers.  He shares faith with them. His intro leads me to believe that he does not see himself "over" them ... they are all on equal, shared ground.  He loves them.  And he again longs for "grace and peace be theirs in abundance."  Not just a little ... abundance - overflow - excess - more than enough.

Grace - that undeserved favor of God
Peace - that sense of calm deep in one's soul that belies all chaos and circumstance

May they be yours as well.  May they be mine.  In abundance.   Today.

I have raised 3 girls into adulthood.  Translation?  I had 3 hormonal, teenage females in my house at one time. Some of you understand.  I felt like it was a frightening world to send teenage girls into 15 years ago.  It still is ... maybe more today than then..  Every time they left our house,  I reminded them of something ... "Remember who you are."  You see, I knew how easy it was to forget that.  I knew how quickly the world and circumstances could rob you of your true identity.  I knew something of the temptations the world dangles and their seductive power.  So the reminder ... over and over again ... the reminder.  "Remember who you are."

Peter loves his readers ... and he wants to remind them of something so incredibly important.  He does that in verses 3 - 12.  In verse 12 he says he intends to keep on reminding them.  In verse 13 he says he will refresh their memory as long as he has breath in his body.  In verse 15 he says he will remind them often enough so that they will recall these things even after he has died.

OK ... what was the reminder?  Transformation is a process.  It is a process that requires desire, diligence and determination.  We are in such a quick-fix culture.  Sick?  Take a pill.  BAM - done.  Overweight?  Take something.  No change of lifestyle or eating habits required ... just take a metabolism enhancer.  BAM - done.  Want to be a spiritual person?  Say a quick prayer every morning.  BAM - done.  Peter reminds believers that to be transformed into a person who reflects the image and glory of the Lord requires a tenacity of spirit.  It requires a focus on the goal and a determination to grow a little every day of our lives.  He is specific about the growth process.

Peter reminds his readers to focus on ... growing ... adding to ... effort.  We all begin with faith - our faith in the finished work of Jesus our Lord.  And to that faith, we WORK to add ...

goodness

 (not a mere passive quality, but the deliberate preference of right to wrong, the firm and persistent resistance of all moral evil, and the choosing and following of all moral good.  Easton's Bible Dictionary)

knowledge 

(Observation and recognition of objects within the range of one’s senses; acquaintance of a personal nature that includes a response of the knower.  Tyndale Bible Dictionary)

self-control

(Do we really need a definition of this?  The word can also be translated,' temperance')

endurance

(One of the virtues of the Christian life cited in the New Testament, produced during suffering and which itself could produce character (Rom. 5:3–4). The Greek term suggests “tolerance,” “forbearance,” “patience” (KJV, JB), and “perseverance” (NIV).  Eerdmans Bible Dictionary)

godliness

(The one true God, as creator and redeemer, requires an active obedience to his revealed will and a personal devotion that surpasses lip-service, mere trepidation, or bare admiration (e.g. Pr. 1:7; Is. 11:2; 33:6; Lk. 2:25; Acts 10:2; 22:12). Pre-eminently, Jesus is the godly One, whose prayers were heard because of his ‘godly fear’ or ‘reverent submission’ to the Father (Heb. 5:7). His death and heavenly exaltation makes it possible for others to offer to God, through him, acceptable worship or service, ‘with reverence and awe’ (Heb. 12:28).  The New Bible Dictionary)

mutual affection

(This term has to do with feelings and emotions ... toward fellow believers)

agape love

(to have love for someone or something, based on sincere appreciation and high regard. Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament)

That's quite a list, no?  To focus on the development of those characteristics on a daily basis can be daunting.  We can find ourselves tempted to throw up our hands and think that it's just not worth the effort.  Too hard.  Couldn't Peter have 'reminded' us to do a good deed for someone once a month?  Couldn't he have 'reminded' us to have a 5 minute 'quiet time' 3 days a week?   But no ... Peter 'reminds us, as believers, to diligently make every effort to develop these traits in our core being.  Transformation.  

Is it worth it?  The hard work ... the effort?  Oh YES!  Look again at verse 8:

"For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful ..."  (emphasis, mine)

What a promise!  This effort guarantees that my life will NOT be ineffective!  My life will NOT be unfruitful!  A life well lived ... to the glory of our Lord.  

OK, Peter ... I'll do it ... today.  I will make every effort ... today.  Even when I see the failures that will inevitably come, I will make the effort.  Today.  And Peter, remind me again tomorrow!

Peter as Pastor - Resist - 1 Peter 5 (P 28)

Resistance ...

According to Mirriam-Webster dictionary, the word resist means: 1) to fight against; 2) to try to stop or prevent; 3) to remain strong against the force or effect of; 4) to not be affected or harmed by

In the world of physical exercise, we are encouraged to utilize resistance exercise to increase strength and overall well-being. According to the online site "Fit Day", resistance exercise is ... "any form of exercise that forces your skeletal muscles (not the involuntary muscles of your heart, lungs, etc) to contract.  An external resistance (such as heavy weights) is used to cause the contractions, and those contractions lead to increases in muscular mass, strength, endurance and tone."

Resistance.

After encouraging the elders of Christ's Church in the first 4 verses of chapter 5, Peter turned his attention to "all of us" ... all believers.  Let's listen ...

Read 1 Peter 5: 5 - 14

Peter, our Pastor, wants each of us to "resist"!  And as we "resist", our strength grows.  Our spiritual muscles increase in "mass, strength, endurance and tone."  Resisting is active.  Resisting requires determination, dedication and discipline.

I see four areas of resistance in Peter's words.

First, we are to resist our natural bend toward pride.  It was pride that led to Satan's fall from heaven. It was pride that lured Eve and Adam to step outside of God's wisdom.  At the root of pride is the desire to be God.  It is idolatry. That cannot, must not, be our position - ever!  So Peter, in wisdom, tells us to "humble ourselves under God's mighty hand."  Scripture is filled with instruction and warning about pride.  Just a few ...

John 13: 3 - 16:  Jesus, Himself, models a servant heart, a servant's behaviors, a servant life for us. And then He tells us to "do as He did".  Will you?

Romans 12: 3  "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you:  Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."

Romans 12:16  "Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited."

Proverbs 8:13  The writer personifies God and says, "I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."

Proverbs 16:18  "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

A humble spirit knows full well that God is God ... and I am not.

We must resist pride.  Deliberately.  Moment by moment.  Circumstance by circumstance.

Second, we are to resist anxiety.  Anxiety eats away at your peace of mind and heart.  Anxiety is physically harmful.  Anxiety is prevalent in a heart that believes it is in control.  Anxiety belies trust in God.  Anxiety feels isolated and alone.  Peter tells us to "cast our anxiety on God.  Why?  Because He cares for you!

Proverbs 12:25  "An anxious heart weighs a man down ..."  Isn't it the truth!

But how do we do that?  How do we "cast our anxiety on God"?  Paul tells us how to do what Peter is saying.

Philippians 4:6 - 7  "Do not be anxious about about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition,, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

We must resist anxiety ... trust prayer ... trust God.

Third, Peter tells us to resist careless living.  We do that through self-control.  No excesses.  Not busy-ness, not food, not alcohol, not anything.  Remember that self-control is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in us.  God can and will grow that grace in you.  Will you resist so that those 'muscles are strengthened'?  Another way we resist living carelessly is by staying alert.  We stay in tune with God through His Word ... through prayer ... through awareness of God's life in us and in others.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:12  "Everything is permissible for me - but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me - but I will not be mastered by anything."

We must resist the temptation to live life like a pool ball - just bouncing off every circumstance that hits us.  No carelessness - self-controlled and alert.

Last, we are to resist Satan.  We do that by refusing to listen to his voice in our head but by listening to the Word of God.  We do that by standing firm in our faith ... standing firm in God.  Knowing and reminding ourselves of what God has promised.  Be alert to the ways you see Satan luring you away from your God.

We must resist Satan ... every day ... in every circumstance.

As we resist, God does some amazing things.  Notice the way Peter closes this passage ...

God will ...

restore you (NASB uses the word, 'perfect you')

make you strong

make you firm

make you steadfast

And that, my friends, is a worthy goal!  Resist ... so that God, Himself, will strengthen your spiritual muscles in ways we cannot fully grasp or understand.  I want to be strong - don't you?  

Peter as Pastor - Suffering - 1 Peter 4: 12 - 19 (P 27)

Immediately after Peter described what it means to live well as a believer, he began to write about suffering - suffering because of identification with Jesus.

Read 1 Peter 4: 12 - 19

Notice, as we begin, the distinction Peter makes between suffering because of Christ and suffering that may come because of criminal or bad behaviors. If you steal or murder or engage in criminal activity ... even if you just meddle in other people's business ... and suffer ...then so be it - it's called consequences.  Instead, Peter wrote about suffering because of your faith.

William Barclay wrote:  

It is never easy to be a Christian.  The Christian life brings its own loneliness, its own unpopularity, its own problems, its own sacrifices and its own persecutions.

Is that your experience?  Would you agree with Barclay?  If so ... it is important to make note of the principles surrounding this kind of suffering as cataloged by Peter.  

First, Peter expected suffering.  To him, it was an inevitable outflow of walking with Christ.  Why? Most likely because human nature abhors anything different.  Human nature wants everyone to be exactly like "me".  Human nature tends to hold anyone different as "suspicious".  And the Christian is to live a life that differs from the world's standards and norms. Also, when we live out the model set by Jesus, we become something of a conscience to the society in which we live and function.  Consciences can be troublesome.  And many want to silence a troublesome conscience!  So Peter said, "Expect it.  Don't be surprised."

The second principle Peter established is that suffering is a test.  Will you persevere?  Will you be faithful?  Are you truly devoted to the Lord even when the going gets rough?  

Third, suffering puts us in company with Christ Himself.  And that is the best company possible!  Let me remind you of some things Paul said along these lines as well:

Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:17)

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.  (Philippians 3:10)

Peter's fourth principle was that suffering is the way to glory.  Jesus Himself bore the cross before He wore the crown.  It is yet another way we walk in His steps.  

Do you ever wonder what this "glory" means?  What does it look like?  In the Old Testament, there was this idea of luminosity that occurred around the presence of God.  The Hebrews called it "shekinah".  We know that the glory of the Lord enveloped Mt. Sinai - and it was a luminosity, a light.  Moses wore it on his own face when he had been with God.  It was this luminous cloud that led the children of Israel in the wilderness - the presence of God.  It settled on and in the Tabernacle ... then the Temple.  One of the saddest phrases in scripture is when we are told that the "glory" (the luminosity, the light, the glow) of God left the Temple.  Then it was just a building.  

We read of Stephen's martyrdom in Acts 6 - 7.  As he was condemned to a death sentence, scripture tells us in Acts 6:15 "All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel."  Luminosity - glory.

Barclay writes:  "It is Peter's conviction that something of that glow of glory rests on those who suffer for Christ."

So what do you do when the suffering comes?  Peter does not leave us hanging.  He tells us what to do.  He states it succinctly and clearly.  "Entrust yourself to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good." (4:19)   NIV translates it as "commit yourselves".  The Greek word used for "entrust" is the word "paratithesthai".  It is a technical term for depositing money with a trusted friend - a custom used before banks were available.  It means this is a safe place.  It means you will not lose yourself.  It is the exact word that our Lord used when He said, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."

This Pastor's advice is solid ... it was wisdom for those first century believers ... and it is still wisdom for us today.  

Trust yourself to God ... and continue to do good. 

 Enough said.  

Peter as Pastor - Living Well - 1 Peter 4:1-11 (P 26)

How do we live well in this chaotic, messy, frightening world?  How do we live well when faced with crises and loss and crime and wars and violence and economic collapse?  How do we live well when insults and ridicule mark nearly every aspect of life in our culture?  Peter has a message about just that - living well as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Read 1 Peter 4: 1 - 11

Let's notice a few of Peter's instructions. As we identify them, remember to examine your own life place right now and do a personal inventory.  Are you "living well"?

 First, he writes that we no longer live a life of "dissipation".  Eugene Peterson states is this way:

"... you are weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way.  Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want."  (The Message Translation)

"Self" can indeed be a tyrannical master.  The "me", "my", "I" can take such a hold on us that we are unable to seek God, to pursue His life in us, to be still and quiet to hear His voice and to know His will.  I also appreciate the image Peterson employs when he compares it to a "weaning".  That indicates process - movement - steadiness - gradual.  So my question ... Am I less enslaved to "me" than I was a year ago?  Do I invest more time seeking God than I did a year ago?  

The second instruction I notice is that we are to be sober minded and self-controlled.  Being clear minded has to do with sanity.  It has to do with seeing things in proper perspective.  It has to do with knowing what matters and what really does not.   It has nothing to do with joyless, morose, somber attitudes.  Self-control.  Well, you know that one.  It says that NOTHING masters me except the Lord.  Not alcohol, not food, not chocolate, not caffeine, not laziness, not busy-ness, not excess of any kind.  Did you notice that there is a reason for this?  It is so that you can pray!  It helps keep our minds clear so that we can focus.  That is a worthy goal.  So my question ... Have I been sober minded today?  Am I refusing to allow anything today take me captive?  

Third, living well means loving well.  We are to love each other - carefully, deeply, always.  Peter is not writing about sentimentality.  He is writing about the decision we make to practice love - in attitude and behavior.  If that language is not specific enough for you, remember how Paul described "love" in 1 Corinthians 13.  He told us that to practice love means being patient with people and kind. It means dealing with my tendency toward jealousy and envy so that I don't let those things spill out over others.  It means I don't boast and brag.  Love is not rude.  It does not focus on "self".  Love doesn't easily get mad.  And it absolutely keeps no record book of every hurt and slight that comes my way.  So the question ... Am I a more loving person today than I was a year ago?  Do I pay attention to practicing love with my biological family?  with my church family?

A fourth instruction about living well as a believer is to practice hospitality and service.  That's just the kind of people we are to be.  Hospitable means welcoming.  Into your home ... into your life.  We serve other people because Christ gave us the model, the example.  Then Peter throws down a gauntlet ... he said we are to be this kind of people without grumbling about it!  Without complaining.  Paul said the same thing in Philippians 2:14 "Do everything without complaining or arguing."  Why does grumbling and complaining feel so good?  Are we afraid no one will notice us? Are we so consumed with "self" that we can't bear to put ourselves out in the least?   It is destructive to our spirit.  It shows a disrespect for God and His activity in our lives.  In his Bible Study, "Lord, Change My Attitude", James MacDonald writes:  "In the short term complaining separates us from God; in the long term it becomes a lifestyle that sends us to the wilderness."  Here is the question: What have I complained about today?  When was the last time I actually had someone in my home other than my family?  Has "grumbling" become a sort of lifestyle habit for me?

To close this section, our Pastor, Peter, reminds us what it means to live well.  He wrote that a life "well lived" is important so that "in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ."  That's the goal.  That's the purpose.  That's the vision.

So ... today ...

LIVE WELL!!!

Peter as Pastor - Marks of a Believer (Post 25)

Being a native Texan and growing up saturated in the state lore and mythology, I know about ranching.  Well, not really.  I'm a city girl - Ft. Worth, Dallas and Houston.  I have absolutely no first hand experience with cattle or sheep or hogs or any other ranch animal.  My uncle and cousins do have some cows on their property.  And I have observed them - from a distance.  One thing I do know ... each animal carries the brand of its owner. We had dogs and guinea pigs and hamsters - didn't brand them. But on a ranch, each animal is marked so that ownership cannot be disputed.  The animal wears the mark of the ranch.

As believers in Christ ... as 'Christians' ... we belong to a particular owner.  And we are to carry His 'mark'.  Today, I want you to consider what that mark look likes through Peter's eyes.  Are you branded?  Would someone know to whom you belong?  Let's see what Peter says ...

1 Peter 3: 8 - 22

The first thing I would have you notice is to whom this information is written.  Peter has been writing to specific groups of people - slaves, citizens, wives, husbands - as he wrote about submission.
(1 Peter 2:13 - 3:7)   He now turns to the readers in general.  He addresses these words to "all of you". All believers.  What follows is a description of the marks that we are to wear if we belong to Christ - our brand!  Notice a few with me:

          We are to live in harmony with each other.  Harmony in an orchestra or a chorus means that the sounds blend together.  They are not all the same sounds.  Each instrument is playing its own part - but when all of these individual parts are played together, the result is beautiful and full and melodious and so much grander than any one part played alone.  That is harmony.  Believers, we are to live in harmony with one another.  That is one of our marks.  And it definitely sets us apart from our world.  There is so little harmony among peoples in our world. It's a mark that shows to whom we belong.  We live in harmony.  Forgive us, Lord, when we fight to be 'first chair' or when we intentionally screech a strident sound to disrupt the piece.

          We extend sympathy to each other.  Paul explained it in Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn."  Sympathy and selfishness cannot coexist.  One of the marks of a believer is the way he/she walks with others.

          We love "as brothers".  That's familial.  Even when your siblings irritate you ... they are still your siblings.  They are still your family ... and that raises the stakes.  Believers, we love as brothers.  Even when we disagree.  Jesus communicated just how important this 'mark' is when He said:

"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another ... By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."  John 13: 14 - 15

"By this everyone will know ..."  Do you see it?  The "brand"?  The "mark"?

          We are compassionate people.  The Greek word Peter used is also used for 'tender-hearted'. This is not sentimentalism.  It means we never loose our sensitivity toward broken people. We pray to never become cynical and calloused to the pain, the hardships of others.   It's easier to ignore.  It's easier to pass judgment.  It's easier to think 'they must be getting what they deserve'.

          We are humble people.  There is absolutely no place in a believer's life for arrogance and "better than" thinking.  After all, we are fully aware of our "creature" status.  We are fully aware of our complete dependence on God.  On top of that, we are fully aware that our standard is Christ Himself.  Compare yourself there and check your "better than" status!  We don't compare ourselves to other people - but to Christ.  So humility is the 'normal' state of mind.

          We do good - wherever and whenever we can.  We do good in the way we talk and the way we behave.  Sometimes that "doing good" is appreciated - and sometimes it is not.   In fact, Peter lets us know that sometimes it will result in pain and persecution.  But we do good anyway.

          All these characteristics - these identifiers.  What if I like some of them and disagree with others?  What if some are easier and more natural for me than others?   We must remember, it is the owner that decides the brand.  It is the owner that puts together the mark that identifies things as belonging to His ranch.  Peter reminds his readers that it was Jesus who died "in order to bring them to God".  Therefore when we come ... we wear the mark of God ... it's non-negotiable.

          As we close our thoughts on this passage today, go back and look at the identifiers.  Put your name in the blank.  Is it true of you?  The reality can lead us directly into prayer ...

______ lives in harmony with other believers.  _______ extends sympathy to others - not just sentimentality, but care and concern and help when appropriate and possible.  ______ loves.  _____ loves even those who can be 'unlovely' ... even those who don't love him/her back ... he/she loves as if her fellow-believers were her family, her siblings - which, indeed, they are.  _____ is full of compassion.  He/she refuses to grow cynical and calloused to pain in another life.  ______ is humble.  He/she realizes that at the foot of the cross, all ground is level.  ______ knows that without her owner, she is and has nothing.  ______ does good.  His/her behaviors reflect the owner.  

God ... help us!

Peter as Pastor - Submission Matters - 1 Peter 2 - 3 (Post 24)

Before we read our text for the day, I want to remind you of something Peter said in 2:12

Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when He comes to judge.

That phrase always gives me pause ... "Conduct yourselves honorably ..."

There are many areas where Peter could take the principle - many arenas in each of our human lives where honorable behavior is important.  But he takes it into an attitude that chaffs against our spirits. He takes it into the arena of "submission".  Listen ...

Read 1 Peter 2:13 - 3:7

Submit yourselves, therefore ... Why?  For the Lord's sake.  Oh.  Not for my sake?  Not because I just love the whole idea?  Not only when I agree with the circumstances?  You mean this isn't all about me?  Huh.  Novel idea - not being all about me.

Peter specifically mentioned 3 areas pertinent to his readers.  He addressed government - he addressed slaves - he addressed marriage.  And in each of the three, his instruction as Pastor/teacher is the same. Submit yourselves.  So often our first response is ... "But" ... And then we begin to explain away what Peter has said ... or why it doesn't make sense ... or why it is unfair.

Lest we think we get a pass because our times are harder than Peter's readers' times - remember that the government at the time of this writing was Rome and Nero was the emperor.   Slavery was a perfectly acceptable social system at the time of this writing.  People as property.  Wives were also property of the husband.  He was free to go out and about - to divorce when he wanted.  She was not. Yet Peter still writes of honorable behavior ... of submission.  And he write to three specific groups of people that, at the time of the writing, held no power.  Submission was forced upon them.  So obviously Peter is writing about attitude ... not merely observable behaviors, but attitudes of heart.

The first thing we realize as we read Peter's words is that submission is not a "female issue".  It is a believer's issue.  Male and female.

It not only matters 'for the Lord's sake', it also matters for the sake of the lost.  In 1 Peter 2: 12, Peter writes:

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

When the "pagans", the unbelievers, see the way you live, they just may turn and choose to glorify God.  They just may turn ...  Is that worth it?  Remember, it's not all about you.

The second thing I notice is that submission is a choice.  It is an attitude of respect.  It is choosing to place oneself 'under' rather than on top.

Submission is NOT taking abuse from a spouse when he/she physically or emotionally abuses the other.  It is NOT disobeying God because of any government.  It is NOT instigating rebellion at work.

It is a chosen attitude by believers because they follow the example of their Lord.  Peter told us that Jesus "committed no sin and no deceit was found in his mouth".  Peter told us that Jesus, instead of retaliation, entrusted Himself to God.

The third thing that stands out to me is that for us, women who are married, submission is ornamental.  It is like an accessory that makes us beautiful.  Listen to the words of Casandra Martin in her Bible study, "Immeasurably More":

God connects our submission to beauty.  Women long to be beautiful.  Our definition of beauty may vary by culture, but our desire for beauty is God-born.  Our world has taken that desire and made it entirely about physical appearance.  Here God realigns our focus, ...  Beauty begins with being dependent on God.  ...  Submission boldly proclaims that God is in control.  It calls us to bend our hearts to Him, allowing Him to shape the circumstances, people, and situations around us. ... The purpose of submission is to allow God to shape the image of Jesus deep within us. ...   Possessing a gentle and quiet spirit is at the heart of submission.  A gentle spirit leans completely on God.  Humility, kindness, and surrender define gentleness.  Its opposites are pushy, hard, demanding, and self-focused.  A gentle heart has learned that God will supply every need.  God's sufficient grace becomes her greatest resource.  A quiet spirit has learned to rest in the presence and purpose of God. There is no need for the spotlight, no clamoring for attention, and no demand that it all be about me.  A quiet spirit blunts the whining, worry, and moodiness in which we too often indulge.  It knows how to be still before God and is committed to listening. to Him.

It's important to remember that we each must work this out in our individual relationships - no two of which look the same.  Your exercise of submission in your marriage, in your work place,  will not look exactly like anyone else.  That's why we will not judge another woman's "working it out in her life,"  While it won't look just like someone else ... it will always look like our Lord.

Submission ... honorable living as a believer ... mutual submission to one another.  Our Pastor/teacher Peter tells us that is the way believers live.  How about you?

Remember ... "Conduct yourselves honorably ..."  

Yes, Lord.  

Peter as Pastor - 1 Peter 2 (Post 23)

Church.  What comes to mind when you read or hear that word?  Your images, whether positive or negative, come from your own experiences, or from what you have read, or from what you have seen portrayed through media.  Your images also are effected by what country you live in, or, if you are in the United States, what part of this country you live in.  Church.  Rather than take our information from our messed up, fallen world and cultures, why not glean information from Peter, the apostle appointed by Jesus Himself to begin her building?  Peter explains to his readers what the reality of "church" is.  Let's listen.

Read 1 Peter 2: 4 - 12

What can we learn about the church?  

1.  The church is community.  Peter calls it a spiritual house whose foundation and corner stone is Jesus Himself.  It really is not any physical building - not the grand cathedrals or the quaint country houses that have provided meeting places for the people of God.  It is a spiritual house.  And the building blocks are not stones or bricks or wood, but individual believers.  Cranfield writes:

"The free-lance Christian, who would be a Christian but is too superior to belong to the visible church upon earth in one of its forms, is simply a contradiction in terms."

None of us are naive about 'church'.  I know well that our churches made up of humans are messy at best.  I know they fail often.  I know they disappoint.  I know they fall short of the ideal.  I know her members sin and bring reproach on her name.  I know some have been judgmental and practiced exclusivity and exclusion. Yet they are to be the visible form of what is a spiritual reality.  And I also know Christ left this earth physically and left the church to live out His life in their unique places.  I know they matter.  And I know that each of us, as believers, need her. And she needs us.  After all, a brick by itself is pretty useless.  One cannot build a building with a solo brick.  

Church is community.  Are you part of one?

2.  The church is a community of priests.  All of her people are to be priests.  Peter said we are to be a holy priesthood.  Remember that Peter was a Jewish man and as such, would have been schooled in the Mosaic law and history.  His language here echoes back to God's words to Moses about the Israelites.  The Israelites had a purpose ... God-given ... and God described it to Moses atop Mount Sinai with these words:

"Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."   (Exodus 19: 5 - 6)

So what is a priest?  Centuries of church history and denominational differences have created a false sense of the word.  We see it more as a special rank than a universal position.  We see it more as a seminary appointed task than the privileged place of service for all believers.  Our eyesight is skewed.  What is a priest?  

 

          a.  A priest is one with access to God.  And every believer has access to the throne of God.  The Hebrews writer said:

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence ..."  (Hebrews 4:16)

You can do that ... yourself ... because Jesus is your High Priest and has given you, as a priest, access.  He is your mediator.  He opened the door ...

          b.  Not only may we go before God on our own behalf, we can bring others before that very throne as well.  In Latin, the word 'priest' is 'pontifex' - which means bridge-builder.  You can bring all the ones you love and care about before God ... and talk with Him about them ... and trust Him with them.  Do you?  Are you a priest for them?

          c.  A priest presents the offerings before God.  That was his work.  So what are our 'offerings'? Our work - all for God.  Our worship - all about God.  Our self - a living sacrifice to God. (Romans 12:1).  Have you presented offering to God today?

Church is made up of priests.  If you are a believer, you are one.  

Do you do the work of a priest?

3.  The church has a purpose.  Peter said it was "to declare the praises of Him who called you ..." Yes, there will be teaching and caring for the poor.  There will be evangelizing and supporting one another.  There will be training children and caring for her elderly.  But ALL is to the praise of God. ALL is because of His work in each of our lives.  ALL.  

Are you, as a living stone in the church, fulfilling your purpose?  If not, why not?

In spite of the portrayal that most movies give of "Christians", it is the most beautiful way to live a life.  Peter uses picturesque language in these verses to describe exactly what being a Christian means.  He said, 

Being Christian means you have been removed from the place of darkness and placed securely in the place of light.  Living in the light ... 

Being Christian means you have been removed from meaningless, insignificant existence and placed securely in the place of significance.  My life matters ...

Being Christian means you have been removed from having to live without mercy and placed securely in the place of mercy.  Mercy from God ... toward you.  

Church.  The following excerpt came from a blog post from the Woodmont Hills Church of Christ during the Lenten season, 2014:

The greatest buildings on earth will one day crumble to the ground.  Nothing built by man lasts forever.  Because the temple God is building is made of living stones, it will never be destroyed.  It will never crumble and it will never need renovation.  And we who believe are part of it.  Every Christian is part of God's temple.

You can always tell when a new building is being constructed by the massive scaffolding that encircles the new building as it rises from the ground.  As long as you see the scaffolding, you know the building isn't finished.  The scaffolding is the last thing to go.  But when it is removed, you know the building is finished.  Every local church is part of the visible scaffolding around the invisible temple God has been building.  When the final living stone has been placed in the temple, the scaffolding will come tumbling down, the trumpet will sound, the archangel will shout, and we will get the see the grand work God has been doing for the last twenty centuries.

Church ... it is indeed a beautiful word!

Peter as Pastor - 1 Peter 1

We don't have the privilege of knowing anything about Peter's day by day activities once the Biblical narrative turned to Paul and the Gentiles.  We don't know exactly when Peter left Jerusalem, but we know that he did.  Did he ever cross paths with Paul outside of Jerusalem?  We don't know.  Did he spend time in the cities where Paul established churches?  We don't know.  According to early Christian sources, both Peter and Paul were executed within a few years of the Roman fire under Emperor Nero which was in 64 A.D.  People suspected Nero himself as the arsonist, but a scapegoat was found in the unpopular religious sect - the Christians - who were social outcasts and already suspected of wicked practices.  Horrible executions and persecution began to take place.  

So Peter writes.  He writes to believers ... he writes out of the love of a pastor's heart to help people who were experiencing troubled times and for whom worse things lay ahead.  He writes, not to correct theological heresy, but to strengthen men and women who were in danger of losing their lives because of their faith.  Let's listen in ... he offers wisdom for you and I in our lives and for our time as well.

Read 1 Peter 1  

Reflect on these precious things that this pastor wants you to know:

1.  Peter wants you to know that God, Himself, birthed you!  And He birthed you into a hope that is alive - living - never to die.  He also birthed you into an inheritance that is perfect and pure.  

2.  Peter wants you to know that trials and trouble refine you - they test your faith and prove it to be strong and stable.  

3.  Peter gives 5 declarative command statements in verses 13 - 16.  Watch the progression -

          a.  prepare your minds

          b.  discipline yourselves

          c.  set ALL your hope on the grace revealed in Jesus

          d.  don't conform to previous desires

          e.  be holy in all your conduct

          See the way they link together?  Mental preparation leads to personal discipline which effects behaviors.  

4.  Peter wants you to know that holiness in life matters.  Why?  Because God is holy and we have been birthed by Him.  What does that look like, according to Peter?  Consider 3 things:

           First:  A holy life is a life of obedience.  When God speaks, His children obey.  

Jeannette Clift George wrote:  "Our will and God's sovereignty meet at the option of obedience."  

She also wrote:  "I expect from God a far reaching assignment and He says, 'First clean out your desk!'  Sometimes the nearest obedience is the the hardest thing to do."

Obedience is so closely linked to faithfulness.  

            Second:  A holy life is a life of reverence toward God.  It recognizes the presence of God in every moment.  It is an attitude of the mind.  It is the mind that is always in the presence of God.  

            Third:  A holy life is a life of love.  It is visible.  It is active.  It is fervent.  

So, believer, face what is in front of you today.  You can.  Because you are secure in the presence of God.  He walks with you.  His Spirit is in you.  

The Final Snapshot (Post 21)

The final glimpse we get of Peter's life is found in Acts 12.  Let's settle in there for a bit today:

Read Acts 12: 1 - 17

What a story!  There are so many remarkable things in this encounter.  Let's consider a few.  You may see others as well.  Let me know!  

First, Peter is again in prison, in chains - and the promise of harsh persecution loomed right on the horizon.  John's brother, James, had already been killed.  The plan was to put Peter on "trial" right after the Passover Feast.  Does that sound familiar?  His Lord had walked that path before him.  I wonder if that is why he could be asleep while chained between two soldiers.  What kind of peace of heart allows one to sleep in those conditions?  He was so sound asleep that the angel had to thump him to wake him up!  That thought challenges me.  My tendency is to have a hard time sleeping when circumstances are not good.  I can't get my mind to "turn off".  I mentally rehearse all the possibilities and 'what ifs' and details over and over and over again.  

Peter KNEW his LORD ... and could sleep in tough places.

LORD, I want to know you ...

Second, God's sovereign will is far above my limited ability to understand or explain ... and that is OK.  Why was Peter rescued and James killed?  What was the purpose of that?  I don't know.  We can't know.  

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways."    Isaiah 55: 8 - 9 

Peter TRUSTED his LORD ... and could handle whatever came his way.

LORD, I want to trust You ... help me in the struggle.

Third, Peter was willing to obey ... to move ... to do.  Surely the angel who caused Peter's chains to just drop off could have gotten the shoes on his feet and the cloak around him.  But, even in the midst of the miraculous, God's people are participants, not bystanders.  Remember when Jesus brought Lazarus from the grave?  People had to roll the stone from the tomb.  Remember when Jesus healed the lame man who had been let down through a roof?  He was told to roll up his own mat.  Warren Wiersbe writes:  "God alone can do the extraordinary, but His people must do the ordinary."  

Peter OBEYED his LORD ... he has learned.

LORD, I want to be a person of obedience ... today ... I choose it.

One final thought, even while the church was earnestly in prayer for Peter, they were still totally surprised when he appeared at their door.  Was it lack of faith?  I don't think so.  I was in an interesting conversation some years ago with a group of students and we were discussing why believers were so surprised by God's answering some prayers like we asked.  The discussion swirled around our little faith, etc.  Then one woman quietly said, "I don't see it as little faith.  I see it as living on the edge of awe."  That phrase has stuck with me and I love it.  God keeps us on the edge of awe if we will keep our eyes open to Him.  

LORD, You are truly ... AWE-SOME!

This is the last scene that scripture gives us of the man, Peter.  Scripture now turns its attention to the Gentile world.  The man, Paul, is chosen by God to take the lead on that front.  Peter had opened the door.  He gave legitimacy to the entire endeavor.  And now Paul steps up.  We hear no more detail about the life of Peter.  We know he traveled for the sake of the believers and the church.  No doubt, he remained at the helm.

Peter ... such passion.  In him, Jesus saw such promise.  And Peter's love for and commitment to his LORD matured him into a great hero of faith for you and me.  We have observed the transformation of Peter.  No longer full of self-confidence and swagger, he has become God-confident and strong.  He fulfilled the mission laid on him by Jesus - no longer a fisher of fish, but a fisher of men - no longer a self-appointed spokesman for his group, but a pastor for the people of God, Jew and Gentile alike.

And so he writes ... to God's people ... to believers then and now.  We will turn our attention to the two letters that Peter wrote.  

We have watched Peter ... now let's listen to him.

Peter - and the Paradigm Shift: Part 3 (Post 20)

The Spirit of God prepared Cornelius and instructed him to send for a man named Peter.

Cornelius responded and did what the Spirit told him.

The Spirit of God prepared Peter and instructed him to go see Cornelius.

Peter responded and did what the Spirit told him.

And the two men ... the devout Peter - Jewish Christian and leader in the Jerusalem church

                                 the Italian centurion - Gentile soldier and God lover

meet.

Read the story in Acts 10:23 - 11:18

Allow me to remind us of an encounter between Jesus and Peter.  It is recorded in Matthew 16:15 - 19:

"Who do you say that I am?"   Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."     Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.  And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; ..."

The "keys of the kingdom of heaven" ... given to our man Peter.  In today's reading, we observe the final of 3 'unlockings' when Peter used those keys to open doors.

First, Peter unlocked the kingdom of heaven for the Jews.  We read about it in Acts 2.  He preached Jesus. He preached salvation to all Jews who believe and accept.

Second, Peter unlocked the kingdom of heaven for the Samaritans - those peoples of mixed blood - some Jewish blood, some Gentile blood.  We read about it in Acts 8.  "Peter and John preached the gospel in many Samaritan villages." (Acts 8:25)

And now ... number 3 ... Peter unlocked the kingdom of heaven for the Gentiles.  Through Cornelius and his household.

Can we "get it"?  Can we understand?  Or do we still long to keep barrier walls between peoples?  As believers, do we want to keep walls up until a person thinks, looks, behaves, etc. just like "me"?

We need to allow Peter, through God's Spirit, to unlock some of our hearts.  To help us remember ...

All peoples have the same Creator -

From one man He made very nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.   (Acts 17:26)

All peoples have the same Savior -

Salvation is found in no one else, [Jesus Christ] for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.   (Acts 4:12)

Why does humanity love walls so much?  What is it about us that relishes exclusivity?   Jesus came to tear the walls down.  Peter responded - not without struggle - not without soul searching and prayer.  But he responded.  I am convinced that we can too!  Don't you want to?

If I learn anything from the story of Peter and Cornelius it is that God is no respecter of persons.  He invites ALL who search for Him to find Him.  When God called Abraham into that special covenant relationship with Himself, He said:

"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."  (Genesis 12: 2 - 3)

It is time ... past time ... for some of us to stand up and say, "As far as me and my house ... I will tear the barriers down."

There is a wonderful song, written by Jon Mohr and recorded by Steve Green that expresses better than I can these sentiments.  Hear his lyrics as we close today.

All throughout the spirit realm a fearsome battle rages

The fates of men and nations hang suspended in the fray

Walls designed by satan in the twilight of the ages

Now stand as great divisions all across the world today.

Walls not born of government nor strife amid the nations

But walls within our churches and between denominations

Stones of dry tradition carved in fear and laid in pride

Become a dismal prison to those withering inside.

The body weak and powerless, crippled by division

The victim of a tragic and most cruel civil war

Brother fighting brother over culture and tradition

While countless lost and dying lie as casualties of war

It's time to end the foolishness of warring with each other

And kneel in true repentance that our union be restored

May we then as brothers rally round the cross of Jesus

And carry on with diligence the mission of our Lord.

Oh children of God

Oh soon to be bride

Let us humble ourselves

and crucify pride

Throw off the flesh

and its pious facade

and unite in the name of God

Let the walls come down

Let the walls come down

Let the walls that divide us

and hide us come down

If in Christ we agree

Let us seek unity

Let the walls come down.

It will require a transformation of our minds ... impossible?  Not for those in whom God's Spirit dwells!  The Spirit of God transformed Peter's mind ... and He can transform yours and mine. 

Peter - and the Paradigm Shift: Part 2 (Post 19)

As we continue to explore this remarkable event, today read ...

Acts 10: 9 - 23

Peter was a changed man ... Peter was the same man.  Isn't that true of all of us?  

Peter was still Peter and we see that in the way he responded at first to the vision with the animals.  The voice in the vision told Peter to eat.  His response is very revealing.  He said, "No".  Peter is still correcting God.  Do you remember when Jesus was telling His disciples about His coming death and cross?  Peter's response was, "No way!"  Hmm ... Peter hasn't lost his personality, his style, his markers.  Neither will you.  

However, his language gives us a great wake-up call.  Peter said, "Surely not, Lord!"  I am interested in the name he used for the voice in the vision ... he responded with "Lord".  

In the Enhanced Strong's Lexicon we learn the following about that name, Lord:

"he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord. 1A the possessor and disposer of a thing. 1A1 the owner; one who has control of the person, the master. 1A2 in the state: the sovereign, prince, chief, the Roman emperor. 1B is a title of honour expressive of respect and reverence, with which servants salute their master. 1C this title is given to: God, the Messiah." 

Do you see it?  Peter called him "Master" and then said, "no".  A slave doesn't correct his master and tell him, no.  Peter is still learning what it means to truly be surrendered to his Lord.  It's a process, isn't it.  We surrender to our "Lord" and then we spend a lifetime learning what that means.  Jesus knew that.  That's why we hear Him say in Luke 6:46

Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?  

If you and I have chosen to call Jesus, "Lord" ... then we are committed to a lifetime of doing what He says.  Peter is "in process" ... I am "in process" ... what about you?

While Peter is still Peter, we observe the dramatic ways he has changed in these verses.  When the Gentile servants appear at his door, he "invited the men into the house to be his guests." (verse 23)  Unheard of.  Jews didn't do that.  But Peter did.  Why?  Because the Spirit told him to.  And so he did.  He obeyed - even when the behavior was so foreign to his background and training.

Let's close with two general observations from these verses.

First - when God has a work to do, He prepares both sides.  God was communicating with Cornelius - God was communicating with Peter.  And they did not know it about the other.  God can be trusted with His work!

Second - growing into a faithful disciple of our Lord, Jesus Christ, will be marked with times of great success and some dramatic failures.  There will exist a struggle within our own spirits.  And that is good.  So - embrace the struggle!  It means that God is at work in you.

Lord, we worship You. We pray that each of us will be able to truly hear Your voice today.  And as we hear, Lord, strengthen us to obey You.  That is our desire.

Peter - and the Paradigm Shift: Part 1 (Post 18)

One of the most remarkable stories in all of scripture is recorded in Acts 10 - 11.  It is revolutionary.  It presents a paradigm shift of cosmic proportions.  I pray that familiarity with the story will not blind us to the miraculous event that took place in the hearts of two men ... indeed, two cultures.  Let's plan to spend some time here.  Today ...

Read Acts 10: 1 - 8

Caesarea - built on the Mediterranean Sea by Herod the Great in 22 BC.  From the ruins it is not hard to see and imagine the vibrant center of Roman culture that existed in the first century.  The city boasted a beautiful arena and a large, active theater.  Herod built the first ever artificial harbor here and Caesarea became a major seaport on the Mediterranean.  Herod also built his summer palace here. Caesarea was the capital of the Roman government in Palestine and was named n honor of Caesar Augustus.  And Cornelius was stationed in this important city.  He was an important man - a soldier - a commander - in charge of 100.   I wonder if he ever went to the arena to enjoy whatever games or entertainment was provided.  I wonder if his regiment was ever stationed there.  We can't know.  But we can know that this was his city - his station.  And we can know that Cornelius was not a Jew.  We have no indication that he was a proselyte Jew either.  He was a Roman man - a good man - but a Roman man.  

Some observations from these verses:

First, God makes Himself known to all who want to know Him.  Paul reminds us of this fact when he writes to the Romans in Romans 1:19 - 20

"... since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

This passage gives us confirmation that when a heart is God-seeking, God sends a messenger.  There is not a standard operating procedure with God.  His methods of communication with those seeking and honoring Him is as varied as creation itself.  Sometimes, just sometimes, we get the privilege of participating in God's message.  Obviously, we can decline - it's not convenient, I don't have time, I'm not comfortable, someone else is better equipped - yada, yada, yada.  And when we do, the loss is ours.  God will provide a messenger for a heart seeking Him.  So next time God taps your shoulder with an opportunity - don't decline.  With Cornelius?  God first sent an angel in a vision.  

Second, good people come in all shapes and sizes and cultures and religions.  Cornelius was a devout man. He feared God.  He prayed.  He led his household well.  He helped those in need.  He was a good man. Have you ever been tempted to doubt someone's authenticity or devotion to 'goodness' because they were so different from you?  This encounter with God should be a huge wake-up call for us when faced with that temptation!

Third, when God sends you a message ... respond!  Verse 7 tells us "As soon as the angel left ...", Cornelius acted.  He didn't seem to wait and weigh the pros and cons of the action.  He was not foolish.  He sent trusted people to carry out the summons ... but he sent them immediately.  Has God been showing you something to "do" lately?  Why are you waiting?  Are you waiting for it to "make sense" to you?  God told this Roman commander to send for a Jew.  So he did.

Lastly, the angel told Cornelius that his generosity to the poor had been received by God as an offering to God!  Don't miss that phrase!  At its core - his help to those in need was an offering to God.  Did the recipient benefit?  Of course.  Did Cornelius probably feel good about the gift?  I would think so.  But the beauty of the benevolence was that it was as if it was laid on an altar in worship to God.

I am reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 25: 34 - 40

Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.  For I was hungry, and you fed me.  I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.  I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.  I was naked, and you gave me clothing.  I was sick, and you cared for me.  I was in prison and you visited me.'

 Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you?  Or thirsty and give you something to drink?  Or a stranger and show you hospitality?  Or naked and give you clothing?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?'

 And the King will say, 'I tell you thee truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'

An offering to God ...

Peter, the Persecuted (Post 17)

I have loved watching Peter become the "man of the hour"!  He has learned so much from his master, Jesus, and he was living out the life of Jesus among the crowds - the receptive, the skeptical and the openly hostile.  He was teaching - as Jesus had done.  He was healing the sick, the demon-possessed, the lame - as Jesus had done.  He was giving the glory to God - as Jesus has done.  Therefore, we should not be surprised that he began receiving the same kind of opposition and persecution that Jesus had received.

Read Acts 4: 18 - 22 and Acts 5: 17 - 32, 40 - 42

As you formulate your own observations, allow me to make three.  

First, the message about Jesus - His identity, His work, His sacrificial death and miraculous resurrection - will not be received joyfully by everyone.  That seems so obvious, but it still is a pill hard for us to swallow.   We so want everyone to like us and think we're terrific!  We still want to "tuck and run" when confronted with hostility and opposition.  Peter didn't.  

There are places in our world today where the Jesus message still garners physical persecution.  Pray for those who must, like Peter, face it with courage and determination and the conviction that "we must obey God rather than men."  (5:29)  There is also the subtle persecution of ridicule, of being made to feel just a bit ignorant and un-enlightened.  And perhaps it is the most difficult when its source is people you dearly love. Will you stand with Peter?  Will I?

Second, persecution is painful.  Again, a ridiculously obvious statement, and yet one we do not like to think about or consider for ourselves.  Peter (with his co-apostles) was put into a public jail. (5:18).  He was required to stand in a trial under the scrutiny of very powerful people.  (5:27).  He was flogged.  Translate - beaten.  (5:40).  All these things were meant of humiliate - to intimidate - to threaten.  Yet Peter did not yield.  Jesus had said to Peter, "Follow me."  And Peter faithfully followed - regardless of where those footprints led.  Are you a "follower" of Jesus?  Am I?

Third, how did Peter stand up under such persecution?  How did he keep going?  Of course, he was filled with God's Spirit.  We read of that miraculous coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2.  Jesus had promised the Spirit's coming to live "in" believers.  As Jesus was explaining about the coming Spirit to His apostles, He had said:

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."  John 14:26

As Peter sat in that public jail ... as Peter felt the brutality of the whip cutting into his skin - I think he must have been reminded by the Holy Spirit in him of the words of Jesus.  I think he must have heard ...

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Bless are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."   Matthew 5: 10 - 12

With those words resonating in his spirit, Peter could leave those horrific circumstances "rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name."  (5:41)

Where is your place of 'suffering for the Name'?  Is it physical?  Is it in your spirit or in your mind?  Is it psychological warfare from someone you love?  Is it based in your secret places of doubt?  It will come ... it will be painful and often fierce ... it can be overcome!

Faithfulness ... like Peter ... Lord, strengthen us!