(A Devotional based on the life and character of Apostle Peter)
Simon Peter, one of Jesus’ chosen disciples was, in a sense, every man. Peter was initially a fisherman by trade. Most of us love the Apostle Peter because in him we can see someone that we know. And, truth be known, some of us can see ourselves in some of his antics.
Sometimes Peter was both very brave and on other occasions he was very afraid. Stepping out on the water in Matthew 14:28 was a very brave act. But a couple of scriptures later we saw him in a very fearful state.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Thank God that Peter was not too proud to cry out for help when he needed it.
At times Peter was inappropriate. Jesus gave him the privilege of being present as He was transfigured and Peter’s mouth got him into trouble.
Matthew 17:4-6 4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
Peter actually got rebuked by God himself!
At times Brother Peter was a learned disciple and very outspoken.
Matthew 16:13-23 KJV). 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
But just a few scriptures later, Peter messed up and got busted down.
22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Peter, Peter, Peter.
At times Peter was brash and tended towards violence.
John 18:10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
We don’t fight with swords Peter, we fight on our knees.
At other times Peter was faithless and a liar.
John 18:7 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.”
Peter actually denied Christ three times, although Jesus told him he would do it. But I thank God that Jesus never gave up on him. In spite of his quirks and shortcomings and regardless of his messing up, Jesus loved him, strengthened him and encouraged him.
And then something phenomenal happened to change our Peter. In the Book of Acts we see a new Peter. This man was also bold, brave and outspoken. But, after spending some time in the Upper Room in obedience to Jesus, along with 119 other people, something phenomenal happened. The Holy Ghost made his arrival on planet earth and the 120 people in the Upper Room received that power from on high. The man Peter stood up and began to speak to onlookers. He said:
Acts 2:14-18 (KJV) 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Peter went on to become one of the greatest of the Apostles, used of God to cause many to be saved and filled with the Holy Ghost.
Just as the Holy Ghost was able to change Simon Peter from a cussing, lying, brash young man into a bold, Holy Ghost-baptized man of God; He can do the same for anyone. We all need the Holy Ghost to get holy, stay holy, live according to God’s mandates and then make it into Heaven when we leave this world. It is the Holy Ghost that makes the difference.
Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father we come to You just as we are. Thank You for the Holy Ghost who has the power to make us into the men and women that You have called us to be. Change us Holy Ghost and make us fit for the Master’s use and for the Kingdom of God. Amen.
