41. Peter

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In today’s reading we are looking in detail the moments between Jesus’ arrest and death, take some time to read chapter 18, read it slow and intentionally, it’s a powerful moment in the life of Jesus and his mates. 

Idea 1: Impulsive I think it is safe to say that Peter was just an ‘all or nothing’ sort of guy, maybe you are like that too. You are like it with work, family or hobbies. You are either all in and full on without hesitation or you’re not at all like that. 

In the life of Peter, you see it time and time again, he waded in without hesitation and sometimes without planning and some logical thought, but you can’t really knock him for that. He was gutsy and wanted to see stuff and be part of it not just a pewfiller watching others take the risk. 

Which are you? Sitting back watching others up for the risk and challenge, or going all in? 

Idea 2: Refused labels Another powerful aspect to the life of Peter can be found in his unwillingness to sit behind a label that wanted to define his life, heart and passion. Peter could have worn a label of failure, simple fisherman, sinful man, impulsive or betrayer. You wouldn’t blame him either for hiding behind some of these but somehow Peter was able to throw this stuff off. 

So often as men we sit behind labels given to us, both good and bad, and these labels stay in place for so long we are not sure who we are without them. 

What are your labels? Good and bad, and do you need them? 

Idea 3: Down but not out Peter’s last lesson for us is never give up. After such a harrowing experience and the feelings of utter failure in lots of ways you might expect Peter to disappear when he hears Jesus is alive. That’s doesn’t happen, he heads to the tomb. 

I love this, Peter was so down and out after denying Jesus around that fire but his heart was so stirred that he was unwilling to let this stand between Jesus and him. Amazing. 

Have you messed up? Failed, carry guilt and shame like a lead weight around your heart? 

Maybe you need to throw this stuff off, and get back on your feet again. 

Action

Spend some in prayer reflecting on today’s devotion, call stuff out to God as it comes to mind in prayer, be honest and be real.