I would like to talk about Peter the disciple of Jesus and some of the Truths that the Holy Spirit revealed too me. Firstly, the most common remembrance of Peter that most people associate him with is, when he Denied Jesus 3 times.Oh, how Peter would have felt,we can only imagine?. Unless you have faced a similar situation which brought about a similar fate to that of Peter. Which then is normaly Followed up with self condemnation and great sence of worthlessness? .... This often leads to times where we can feel unworthy or even not worthy of forgivness?
Why am I labouring on this point you might be thinking? ...... Well my point is that often times when we make big mistakes or a mess of things in our lives which may effect others, people will most likely remember you for those things and not necessarily anything positive.Regarding Peter, I dont believe that was God's intention when he had it recorded in scripture for all eternity! Although most people when asked what they remember most about the disciple Peter, will likely refer to the 3 denials. I believe God's motive was to show us, his future generation children that even if we make a big mess of things in our own personal lives or that of ministry. He is still well able to use you and bless you beyond your own comprehension or imagination!
I’m guilty of remembering or promoting only negative things about people myself! I’ve spoken about negative misfortunes of someone else for either idol conversation or self gain! Too hide the fact that I don’t want any attention brought upon myself? (Meaning in a sense, I was just hiding behind this wrong behaviour)
So Jesus told Peter that he would deny him, yet Peter characteristicaly in all his zeal, was determined to declare to Jesus that he would do anything! Maybe Jesus has not told you personally that you would deny him!, but have you ever said to Jesus or expressed yourself to Jesus with that same Passion, Zeal & heartfelt plea like Peter did, only to find yourself falling short of your word?
What’s even more remarkable to point out right now, is that even though Jesus was about to face his Death, and he knew that Peter would deny him. I Believe that Jesus also knew that Peter would sooner than later serve him in a greater capacity! STOP! Did you understand what i just wrote? Jesus knew that Peter would be able to fufill his zealous desire to serve the Lord sooner than Peter was even aware of! You see, there are christians who love Jesus just like Peter did!, There are even christians who get Jealous over Jesus'just as Peter did with John’s Love for Jesus!. Christians who boldly confess with an open heart! LORD I WILL FOLLOW YOU ANYWHERE! & I WOULD EVEN DIE FOR YOU!! Yes this maybe a true confession, and God knows there hearts desire! HoweverGod also saw that in Peter before his Son Jesus amongst the accusers
The Truth & revelation that the Holy Spirit revealed to me! Was that Peter had not yet received Power from on High to witness and Testify about him (Jesus). Peter, although he desired sincerely to stand united for Jesus like he did in the Garden of Gethsemane only hours before, would not be able to stand against the taunts and questionings of Jesus’ persecutors! Because Peter was relying on his own strength to do so. After Jesus was resurrected, we read from the scriptures that his disciples went back to there previous lives (Fishing) and when he appeared to Mary and Martha. He made special mention to them to tell Peter that he was Alive!
When Peter saw Jesus on the Beach! He jumped out of his boat and swam to shore to be with his Lord and Master. Can you imagine the Joy of not only Peter, but that of Jesus? Jesus went on to share wit his disciples many truths and the most important of them that is mentioned was that they had to wait in Jerusalem for the Baptism of The Holy Spirit….to wait until they are endured with Power from on High!
After this event came too pass on the Day of Pentecost in the first 3 chapters of the book of Acts, you will read of a very different account of Peter. Peter was filled with the Holy Ghost and the Power and ability which came from this baptism of the Spirit caused him to stand before many people from many Nations at one place and preach Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected with Boldness and with Conviction. Jesus used Peter, whom denied him only day’s before hand to preach the first message of Salvation in the New Testament. Because Peter was no longer relying on his ability but that of the Power of The Holy Spirit, 3000.00 souls were saved in that first instance!
What can we learn from this? Many things’ I believe! God’s Mercy, Grace & Forgiveness! It does not matter as much to God as it does to us, that we mess up and make mistakes. Why do you think he sent Jesus? He know's that we will make similar mistakes as Peter! God has the ability to change circumstances around in favour of his will to bless you and redeem you from such circumstances like he did with Peter, to Glorify Himself and Jesus his Son. God’s desire is to fill you with his Spirit, so that you too can truly be empowered to STAND 4 JESUS HIS SON! You see…the scriptures make it real clear that without his spirit dwelling within you! You are in effect, just another Peter. Yes you may love him! Yes you may desire to do many things for him. But ultimately, you will one day fall short and continue on doing so if you rely on your own strength, instead of allowing Jesus’ spirit to come dwell in you!
Romans 8:9-11 But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also bring to life your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you.
