Tag Archives: God

Tell the Disciples and Peter (Part 5)

I often wonder what those hours immediately following the crucifixion were like for Simon.  What thoughts ran through his mind after he denied knowing Jesus?  How did he deal with the sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach as he reflected on how he’d turned his back on his friend, his teacher, his master?

Jesus had actually called him Peter – Cephas – the ‘rock’.  And within that exchange, the only time Jesus ever called him by that name, Jesus also warned Simon that he would betray Jesus.  Imagine the incongruity of it all.

Simon, you’ve lived with the fact that three years ago I gave you a new name, yet I’ve continued to call you Simon.  Your new name, Peter, is a name of which you can be proud.  It’s a solid name; a name which reflects an uncompromising nature.  Now, in the very moment I finally use that name to address you, I’m also telling you that you will behave in a manner that is the very opposite of this new name.

I wonder if Simon was able to put all this together with Jesus’ statement immediately prior?

“Simon, Satan has asked to sift you but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.  When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Lk 22.31).

Even though Simon may not have made it through the ‘sifting’ in the way he likely would have preferred.  Jesus knew Simon truly was the ‘rock’ worthy of the name Peter.  Jesus had confidence in him.

But, what was it like for Simon during that day in-between?  Was he able to look the other disciples in the eye?  Was there tension between them all?  Simon, you and John went into the courtyard so you would know what was happening to Jesus.  Why did you run off?  Did Simon feel he was no longer worthy to be counted among them?

I realise this is my own speculation, but something the angel said to the women stands out to me.  When the women arrived at Jesus’ tomb and found it was empty the angel said to them, “…Go tell his disciples and Peter…” (Mk 16.7).

The angel didn’t say, “Tell the disciples and Simon…”   Not only did the angel refer to him by the new name, but the angel was aware there was already some sort of distance between Simon and the rest of the Disciples.  Had Simon already distanced himself?  Had he turned away?

Perhaps, the angel’s instruction was to indicate to everyone that Simon was still included in the group.  Perhaps, the use of the name Peter, was an indication to all that Simon was no longer to be called Simon.  Perhaps, the use of the name Peter, was an indication to Simon that, despite how he may have felt at the moment, he truly was Peter.

Simon…, Simon, when you turn back; strengthen your brothers.

Simon, Peter, Simon (Part 4)

Not long after the second time of announcing Simon’s change of name, Jesus finally calls him Peter.   The only recorded instance of Jesus calling Simon by the name Peter is recorded in Luke 22.34.  Jesus uses the name Peter when he prophesied that Simon was about to deny him three times that night.  Ouch.

Why did Jesus wait until this moment to call him Peter?  It seems so contrary to the new name.  This is the occasion when Simon is the least rock-like.  Why not call him Peter after one of his many declarations of truth, or demonstrations of faithfulness?  Why not call him Peter after he walked on water!?!  Why wait to call him by this name of ‘rock’ when you’re telling him he will be very un-rock-like?  Why use this name to tell Simon he will betray his friend, the one for whom only moments previously he had said he would lay down his life?

“Peter, before the rooster crows you will have disowned me three times.”

When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Simon took up the sword – some would say that is rock-like behaviour when your mentor and rabbi is being abused and unfairly treated.

When Jesus was taken in for questioning, Simon and John talked their way into the courtyard – some would say that is rock-like behaviour to stay aware of what is happening to your friend and teacher.

But when he is questioned by a servant girl Simon operated in non-rock-like behaviour.  Some may say it didn’t really matter what a servant girl thought, Simon was focused on what was happening to Jesus.  The servant girl was a distraction. Simon wanted to find out what would happen to Jesus, so he let the denials flow and kept his attention on the court proceedings.

Imagine Simon’s fear and guilt when he heard the rooster crow.  Imagine the sinking feeling in his gut when he realised that these flippant denials to an insignificant servant girl really did matter.  Imagine the depth of shame and embarrassment as he made eye contact with Jesus.  What passed between them in that brief encounter?  How rock-like did Simon feel in those moments?

Simon…, Simon…, Simon…

Simon’s New Name: A Reminder (Part 3)

Peter is often considered the spokesman for the Disciples.  He is the one who said things before the others did and this tendency can create a view in the eyes of some that Simon Peter was impetuous; always speaking without thinking.  But, not everything Simon Peter said was unthinkingly rash.  Consider the time he asked Jesus to call him out of the boat because he wanted to walk on the water with Jesus.  In that instance Simon Peter demonstrated a rock-like faith that was based on understanding that a disciple is to be like his Master.  (see post)

Yet, even around this instance of walking on water, there is no mention of Jesus calling him Peter.  While I’d love to speculate on the conversations Jesus may have had with Simon Peter as they reflected on that event afterwards, the record of what was said gives no indication that Jesus used the name Peter.

Just in case Simon was doubting this different identity, or if he was beginning to think Jesus could possibly have forgotten, Jesus repeated his pronouncement of Simon’s new name toward the end of his ministry, after he asked the Disciples who they thought he was.  Simon Peter spoke up declaring that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God.  Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you Simon, son of John, for this was not revealed to you by man but by my Father in heaven.  I say to you that you are Peter (Cephas) and on this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell will not be able to stand up against it” (see Mt 16.13-18).

This second instance, this reminder, of Simon’s new name came approximately 3 years after the first time Jesus said it.  That’s a long time when you’re in close relationship.  And, when you’re in relationship with the one who is demonstrating the power of God’s Kingdom (Lk 11.20), speaking the words of life (Jn 6.68) and having supernatural encounters with God (Mk 9.7), Simon could be forgiven for thinking that something like referring to one of your followers by the new name you’ve given him ought to be followed through.  “It’s been three years; you’ve told me this twice yet you’re still calling me Simon.”

For years I’ve pursued Him, giving away what He’s given me, doing everything I can to make steady progress toward the vision.

Simon…, Simon…, Simon…

 

Simon, Simon, Simon (Part 2)

One of the challenges we have when we read back on the life of Simon Peter and the other disciples is that we tend to read from a perspective of what we have learned.  When I read about Simon I automatically call him ‘Peter’.  (Even as I type this I am prone to type ‘Peter’ even when I’m trying to point out the difference between this and his original name, Simon.)

But, have you ever noticed when reading through the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) that every time Jesus spoke to Peter he still called him Simon?  There is only one exception to this, which we’ll look at later.

The first time Jesus met Simon he said to him, “You shall be called Peter”.  Yet Jesus continued to call him Simon…, Simon…, Simon…

I was really surprised when I came across this.  I had grown so accustomed to knowing Simon as ‘Peter’ that I made that name-shift in my head when I read the stories about Simon or, as John often referred to him, Simon Peter.   But, by doing this re-naming as I read, I never recognised that Jesus continued to refer to Simon as Simon – even after giving him the new name of Peter.

Simon…, Simon…, Simon…

Why would Jesus do that?  Why give him a new name but continue to refer to him by the old name?  Did Simon have to grow into this new name….?  Were there things Simon needed to learn or graduate into before he could take on his new name?

Perhaps he did.  But can you imagine the doubts that could have been swimming through Simon’s mind?  Jesus gave me a new name but he still calls me by Simon, is there something I’m missing…?  Or, perhaps Simon had some sense of recognition that the new identity given by Jesus, ROCK, was too much of a stretch.  Jesus must see something in me that he would give me that name.  Peter resonates within me but I still feel that identity is too lofty for me to achieve.

I can imagine the doubts that must have run through Simon’s mind.  But what was he learning in the process?

I’ve learned through my process.  I have a vision that burns in my heart. “You shall be called Peter”.

Yet I remain in the process of learning.   Simon…, Simon…, Simon…

Who, not What

The Church has spent far too much time teaching people what to believe.   Correct doctrine; right theology;  acceptable behaviours;  this is the way to expresses our faith; this is what decently and in order looks like…  All of these things have a degree of importance but, somehow, they have become the focus.  Too many church communities have spent so much energy on these and we’ve not equipped people for the most important thing.

Our focus should not be on WHAT we believe; our focus should be on WHO we believe.

The Church has, since the 1940’s, taken an apologetic approach to teaching.   With a motivation to protect people from the rising tide of secularism and rationalism, the Church began to teach people how to defend themselves against the challenges of those who did not believe.

While that may have been necessary given the cultural influences at the time the Church has, to this day, continued to teach people what to believe at the expense of helping them discover who to believe.  In our attempts to counter-act a rationalistic, materialistic, humanistic and pluralistic worldview we have tried to teach people a list of doctrines rather than helping people discover who God truly is.

Admittedly, our intentions have been for the good of people, but the questions need to be asked.  After generations of telling people what they should believe, is the average church-goer becoming more like Jesus?  Are we increasingly displaying the heart and character of God?  Do we, those set apart as God’s holy people, have reputations among society as being ones who exemplify the fruit of the Spirit?

We have put so much effort into methods and practices that we have, effectively, taught people a list of rules and behaviours.  In doing so, we have firmly established Christianity as a religion.  But what we need is to remember WHO it is we’re in relationship with.

  • Love isn’t something we should ‘do’ because we’ve been taught how to behave; Love is part of our nature as we become more like our Father.
  • Prayer isn’t a technique or a chore; prayer is communication with our loving Father
  • Sharing God’s grace and mercy with others isn’t a programme or a method; mercy is a natural expression of our love of God and our compassion for people.
  • Learning to hear God’s voice and know his presence is not something we strive for and then give up if we “don’t feel like it”.  Developing our relationship with him is the one thing we pursue because he is good and being with him is important to us.

I believe the Church needs to reconsider our approach to preaching, teaching and mission in order to model for people a life of personal encounters with God through which they will learn to develop and deepen their relationship with Him.  I humbly acknowledge the challenge of this view but am increasingly convinced of its necessity.

Focusing on WHAT we believe leads us to behaviours but focusing on WHO we believe leads us to becoming like him.

I know him who I have believed and he is able to guard that which I have entrusted to him (2 Tim 1.12)

Journey To the Top of the Mountain

Have you ever noticed that when you go on a journey, you rarely travel directly from the starting place to the destination?  Roads aren’t made to go straight from town to town.  Walking up a mountain you usually walk a path that weaves back and forth as it climbs.   Even when traveling by airplane, the pilot will fly along a determined flight-path.

When selecting the photo for this site I knew as soon as I saw the photo in the banner it was the one I wanted.  As an illustration, allow me to use the top of the highest point of the mountain as my destination.   But, if I’m following the road to get to that mountain top, the road will take me away from the peak in order to bring me toward it.

That’s the way life sometimes works.  The journey is not always a straight shot to the destination.  In the process of getting to where we want to go it’s normal for us to travel what seems like an alternative route in order to get there.

Our spiritual development is no different.  I don’t want to sound overly simplistic, but it’s easier to accept this principle when we’re in times of positivity.  But when we’re struggling with confusion, frustration or pain – especially when it feels as though we keep coming back to the same points of pain – we don’t really like to hear that we’re on a journey toward maturity.

I’ve spent a lot of years in the progress of process.  Over the years, there were times I was convinced I was about to exit the process and arrive at the destination, yet it continued to elude me.  There were also times during which I felt if there was one more challenge or delay I would crack under the weight of it all, but that didn’t happen either.

I have learned many lessons but there are two that stand out above them all.

1. God is always good. I feel a bit strange putting that down as a lesson because I don’t recall ever doubting this or feeling like he wasn’t being good. But, the lesson I’ve learned is how important it has been for me to acknowledge his goodness even in the most difficult and challenging times.

My relationship with him has grown to new depths through my learning how to worship and honour him as my Good Father in the midst of telling him how painful and confusing things have been.  There were many times I would ask him to intervene and change my circumstances but, through his grace, I was also able to state my willingness to remain in that place if he had more for me to learn.  As those months turned into seasons I grew in deeper love for him and his goodness.

2. The process helped me gain clarity on my goals. A number of years ago I came across Jeremiah 32.39 and asked God to help me become a man of singleness of heart and action so that I would always serve him. Little did I expect the difficulties I would face that would help me refine the affections of my heart.

Back in 1992 God spoke to me very clearly, giving me a vision for life and ministry.  I have held onto those promises and have attempted to live them out as well as I could given the circumstances in which I found myself. The challenges I’ve faced have helped develop perseverance and resilience, bringing a clarity and assurance of who I am and what I want to do.

Now it feels as though I’m coming into the clearing and able to see the top of the mountain.  Maybe I’m experiencing an unwarranted feeling of positivity and the path will, once again, wind back through thickets. Either way, I’ll have a chance to go deeper in my love for God and continue becoming who he intended me to be.

God Loves to Hide Stuff

I had been a Christian for a long time before I discovered how much of an adventure it could be to have a life with God.  When I first became a believer I was full of excitement and wonder at God, his love for people and the depth of meaning I was finding in so many things.  I spent hours devouring the Bible and lapping up the truths and principles I discovered within it.

Over time much of that excitement waned.  I didn’t grow cold, hard or disinterested (at least I don’t think so); but I lost much of the sense of wonder at God’s word.  I had gone to seminary to study the Bible.  I learned some Greek and a bit of Hebrew so I could understand the rich heritage and context behind the original texts.  But somehow in that process I lost the thrill of discovering what God has for me.

Then, I came across a verse that opened a whole new understanding of how God operates.  Yes, operates.  Not just how he speaks to us, but how he relates to us, how he reveals things to us, how he leads us.  Proverbs 25.2 states, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but it is the glory of kings to search out a matter”.   When I read this I stopped in my tracks.  I felt as if I’d just opened my eyes and was seeing, for the first time, what had always been right in front of me.

God hides stuff.  I understood that Jesus spoke in parables – he had a purpose for not disclosing everything to everyone all at once.  He wanted the hungry to come looking for the deeper meaning behind what he taught.  I got that.  But, for some reason, I didn’t transfer that understanding to God.  I just didn’t expect that God would ‘hide’ things.  After all, he is within me and through his Spirit he is revealing himself to me.  But this verse challenged a lot of my assumptions.

God likes to hide stuff.  But he doesn’t hide things from us, he hides things for us to find.  When I was a kid my mother, when giving us a special gift at Christmas or birthdays, would create a treasure hunt to add a bit more excitement into her giving us the gift.  I still remember going from room to room figuring out the clues she’d left until I finally found the console stereo turn-table at Christmas of 1980 (I know, showing my age again).

So, why is it so hard to accept that God would hide good things for us to find and discover?  Searching for the hidden treasures of his kingdom demonstrates that I’m hungry, that I’m expectant, that I have a hope and a faith that there is more available than I am currently experiencing.  Searching for what he’s hidden displays a trust that he has placed things within my reach and he is leading me toward himself as the ultimate treasure.  After all, he is the rewarder of those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6).

It is the glory of God to conceal but it is the glory of kings to search it out.

God’s Will & Jesus’ Teaching

I really like the way Jesus taught. Frequently I come across something Jesus said that makes me smile. So often he would say something that would be stated a challenge to some, but to someone else, the same statement was an invitation.

One instance is from John 7.16 where he said, “My Teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God’s will he will find out whether my teaching comes from God.”

Jesus was responding to the peoples’ amazement at his teaching. In his humility, he said that what he spoke wasn’t something he came up with himself, but had originated with God the Father. The challenge was that anyone who wanted to explore more of this teaching would be invited to pursue God’s will to do so.

What I find interesting about this invitation is the way it challenges us to test while, at the same time, invites us to pursue the will of God. But the only way we can truly know the will of God is to do what Jesus taught – then we’ll come to know whether his teaching comes from God.

Again, it comes back to the necessity of our lived experience that enables us to prove the will of God.

It is not through agreeing with what we’ve heard, or even saying that we believe what we’ve heard that validates the teacher, but only by putting into practice what we’ve heard. Only by testing the teaching can we stand over our belief or agreement in the teaching.

Proving the Kingdom

When King Saul wanted young David to wear his armour before going out to confront Goliath, David responded:   “No, I cannot wear this. I have not proved it.”

David did not want to wear the armour because he didn’t have any experience in wearing or using such equipment. He was not used to it. He had not tested it. He had not proven its effectiveness.

As we use something and experience it’s effectiveness we can stand over it; vouch for its value; be confident in its functionality; prove its worth.

 

The biblical language is similar to what Paul used in Romans 12.2.

“…be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve the will God…” (NIV)

God has an expectation that, as our minds are renewed, we will learn his will to the extent that we can recognise it, test it, stand over it and approve it.

While it is good to hear teaching and grow familiar with biblical doctrine; have I ‘proven’ it for myself?

While it is helpful to be around others and learn from their ministry experiences; have I ‘proven’ it for myself?

This implies that life will provide opportunities to experience the benefits of God’s will as we make decisions through daily living. In applying God’s Word to every-day circumstances, we learn to ‘prove’ the truth of his Word and experience the benefits of recognising his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Family in the Kingdom

Many of us have a perception of God that is quite different from who he actually is. Even though I grew up in a churched culture the way I thought about God was not the way I now understand He has revealed himself through Scripture.

Society has carved out an image of God in which he is perceived as harsh, vindictive, self-centred and angry.  Ironically, though, the society which has created that image also exhibits the habits and lifestyle patterns of a spiritually fatherless generation.

God has always been about family.  From the outset his intention was that mankind would be fruitful and multiply – and maintain their relationship with him. After mankind turned away (Gen 3) God did not give up.  His promise to Abraham was to, through him, establish a nation and that meant Abraham having an heir (Gen 12.2-3; 15.4).  Throughout Old Testament history, God spoke of ‘his people’ (Ex 19.4-6) his dwelling with them (1 Chron 22.10), caring for those without families (Ps 67.5-6) and his desire for his people to bless all nations (Is 61.1-11).

The most clear example we have of God is through the life of Jesus who was the perfect representation of God (Hb 1.3) and all who saw or heard Jesus had seen the Father (Jn 5.19,14.9).

Jesus spoke of God as Father (Jn 15.1, 9; Mk 1.36).  He explained that we become a child of God (Mt 6.32, 7.11) through the relationship we have with him (Mt 28.20; Jn 16.13).  Jesus also spoke of the house that God the Father is preparing for us (Jn 14.2).  The New Testament authors reinforced the concept of family (1 Tim 3.5) and the household of God (1 Pt 4.17).