Peter and Me [and YOU]

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

Examining the lives of our Lord’s disciples, I find none so human, in every respect, as Peter. The gospels and Acts are full of narratives about him. He is named more than any other disciple of Jesus in the gospel record. He speaks more often than any other disciple. I think in many cases he wished he hadn’t! Jesus spoke more frequently to him than any other follower, often in applaud, and often in admonition. When we read the biblical account of his life, not all of it is flattering.

There is a description of another biblical character that pictures Simon perfectly. That characterization was given nearly two thousand years before Simon was born, and was spoken by the patriarch Jacob. He had gathered his sons before him to pronounce the blessings of his “last will and testament.” And it was to his firstborn son, Reuben, he said, “…Unstable as water, you shall not excel…” (Genesis 49:4)

Unstable as water – that’s exactly what Simon was like. Is there anything less stable than water? I can’t think of a more fitting description for Simon Peter, the son of John. Jesus knew it, of course. He saw right through all his faults. Jesus didn’t miss any of his fears, foibles, or flaws, and he loved him just the same. He chose this unstable-as-water-Simon Peter, as His very own disciple. 

I am very encouraged by that because He knows me too. And He knows you as well. He knows all about us. He knows our sins, our failures, our shortcomings, our idiosyncrasies – every stupid thing we have ever done! He knew, for instance, that I would be fearful, wishy-washy, weak, indecisive, hesitant; yet He called me to be His own. It’s just as if He said, “I know you, you’re called Rick; but you’re going to be called Rock!” I can only say, “Hallelujah!”

He knows me and He knows you too. He knows everything about you. He knows the stuff you anxiously hope no one ever finds out! But He loves you just the same. And, likewise, He calls you to be His own. 

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13