Getting it wrong; and then right

‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God’ – Acts 14:23 (NIV)

One of the most important insights that Mark learned from his mentor, the Apostle Peter, is that failure and mistakes are the pathway into the life of the kingdom.

It is so incredibly encouraging that Peter made so many mistakes!

As Jesus’ kingdom apprentices, we will learn to enter into and participate in, and live the life of the kingdom through persevering in seeking the kingdom. ‘The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power’ (1 Corinthians 4:20-NIV), ‘The kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit’ (Romans 14:17-NIV).

Like so many of us, the disciples started so well, but struggled to maintain their initial commitment. They left everything and followed him. It was all so upbeat at the beginning. But then they floundered.

Why?

Part of the answer lies in understanding the parable of the four soils. If we make a good start, then the temptation to give up will either come because some people (particularly our family members) oppose us strongly. Or we shall find that the sheer demands of life, the need for money, the desire for fame, prominence and success divert us away from a pure, undivided love for Jesus Christ.

Here are some of the Apostle’s mistakes, and how Jesus responded.

1) Peter completely failed to see the need for Christ to be crucified.

Jesus rebuked Peter publicly in front of all the apostles. He explained clearly that Peter was wrong and why he was wrong.

2) They could not cast out the demon (from the demonised boy) because they had not learned through fasting and prayer how to seek the Lord’s guidance about how to expel the demon.

Jesus expressed his frustration publicly. He told them what their mistake was and what they needed to do to get it right next time.

3) Each of the apostles thought they should have the most powerful positions in Jesus’ inner circle – they wanted power and authority.

Jesus repeatedly explained that servanthood is the essential essence of leadership in the kingdom.

4) They did not pray in Gethsemane, so they were completely unprepared for the severe test when it came – they ran away.

Jesus: Even at the point when they failed their Lord and friend so badly, Jesus teaches them the need to ‘watch and pray that you enter not into temptation’.

5) They did not believe the women’s reports that he had risen from the dead.

Jesus: ‘rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen’ (Mark 16:14-NIV).

The wonderful thing is that Jesus would not give up on them! He kept coming to them and helping them get back on their feet. Even when they denied and deserted him. Even when they doubted his resurrection!

And Jesus will do the same for everyone of us.

He came not to be served, but to serve us. He came to seek and to save the lost. He came to rescue the one sheep that was lost.

Jesus Christ will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER give up on you!

No matter how many times you mess up and deny and desert him. When you come back to him, he will help you get back on your feet and participate in the kingdom.