Our loving pastor decided to organize a 40-day New Testament challenge at the beginning of this year. Rules of the challenge are that we have to read the entire New Testament in 40 days, back-to-back. I signed up, this exercise gave me a chance to see Peter transform from an impulsive, brash fisherman to the greatest apostle that Jesus chose as the “rock” on which He would build His church.
’18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.’
-Matthew 16:18
As impulsive and over-confident as Peter was, he still loved and trusted Jesus.
‘ Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” ‘
-Matthew 16:16
He appears arrogant when he says that others may forsake Jesus, but he would never.
‘ Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” ‘
-Matthew 26:33
But then, after he denies knowing Jesus, he wept bitterly.
‘ And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly. ‘
-Matthew 26:75
He wept bitterly. That sounds like remorse, sincere, heartfelt repentance. Peter’s fallen nature made him deny the one he trusted and loved. He did what he did not want to do. What do we do when we sin against God? We are asked to repent. The act of repenting transforms us. God forgives us, gives us our fair share of disciplining and in obedience, we see glimmers of transformation.
In Peter’s case there was more than just a glimmer of transformation. After it was announced that our Lord and Savior is risen, Peter ran to the empty tomb and was eager to see Jesus. And later when he was filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, he brought 3000 people to Jesus.
‘ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. ‘
-Acts 2:41
Peter’s transformation reveals a humble, obedient, Jesus loving leader, willing to serve and die for the one he once denied. In His loving-kindness, Jesus molded Peter like an expert potter and made him the rock which facilitated the inception of the bride of Christ.
Jesus is working on all of us, continuously. Transforming us into whatever He deems fit. We are in safe hands, repent and lean on Him. Cry bitterly and surrender to the one that you do not want to deny. May God bless you.
Dear Jesus,
You are our loving Savior and redeemer. Teach me to be obedient to the transformation you make me go through. Let me lean on You and exchange my yoke of arrogance with Your light yoke of humility. May my heart be wholly and truly Yours. Amen.