This week’s Holding onto Hope Devotional is entitled PETER’S TALE. Scroll down to read the devotional online, or click the link below to view, save or print the PDF version.
Download the PDF here: Holding onto Hope Devotion – April 2017 – Peter’s Tale
Simon Peter was one of a kind, he was a classic. Whenever I think about him or I read about him, I just laugh. After studying his life story, I am convinced that we have many Peters in the church today. The story surrounding his “tale” – the event that happened during crucifixion week, can be found in all 4 gospels. Each author of the gospels re-told the story in their own way in Matthew 26:69-74, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:55-62 and John 18:15-18, 25-27.
This devotion is not sufficient to talk about brother Peter. However, I will attempt to summarize a few things. Peter had a younger brother named Andrew; and Andrew was actually credited for bringing Peter to Jesus. We know from reading and studying the bible that Peter was a part of Jesus inner circle. We always hear about Peter, James and John, over and over again. Because his name came first, most theologians assumed that he was the leader of the disciples. To be a part of the inner circle of Jesus, he must have had some good peculiar qualities.
He was a very successful fisherman by trade. One day Jesus met him and said follow me, and I will make you a fisher of men. You see, not everybody can be a fisherman; and it is not everybody that can be a fisher of men. It takes certain skills. Peter was accustomed to stormy seas and different techniques to catch fish. Peter was obedient. He did not hesitate and he left his successful job; and followed Jesus – a job that did not pay anything. His lifestyle and certain habits would now have to change. It is like the Lord saying “stop working at Rite Way or at the office and go into ministry full time.” No more pay every week or every fortnight. No more monthly salary. It was a difficult decision but Peter was obedient.
For the next three (3) years, Peter followed Jesus, and he experienced those inner circle discussions, he learned how to pray, he got first-hand teachings. When other persons had to spend all kind of money to get the so-called religious teaching, Peter and the other disciples got it live and direct. It pays to follow Jesus. And of course, he witnessed all of the miracles that Jesus did. Jesus healed the sick – brother Peter was right there. Jesus gave the blind sight – brother Peter was right there. Jesus made the lame walk – brother Peter was right there. The multitudes were fed – brother Peter was right there.
What an experience! I cannot even begin to imagine what that would be like! And if that was not enough, Peter got his own miracle! You know sometimes when things happen, some people say “O that was a flukes” or “that was luck.” But, Peter got his own miracle. Apart from Jesus, Peter was the only man that walked on water. However, it was the same Peter that was filled with anger; and he cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest; and there were many other encounters recorded in the bible with Peter.
Finally, Peter boasted, he bragged that he would never forsake the Lord even if others did. He said Jesus, I’m your guy! I will stand by you. I will go with you to the cross. Be careful of the promises that you make to the Lord. Some people make a bargain with the Lord – if you do this for me, I will do this for you……Jesus cautioned him; and water walking Peter later denied Jesus not just once, not just twice – but three (3) times.
Luke 22:55-62 (KJV)
55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and she earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
You know, some of us really think that people do not know us. Sometimes, people know us better that we know ourselves. They see you go to church. Peter might have tried to disguise himself a bit, but certain people were able to recognize him. Despite Peter’s denial and his many stories, the Lord was not finished with him yet. The Lord still had a plan for Peter’s life. He went on to accomplishing many things. He was instrumental in starting the church in Acts; and later he wrote 2 epistles: 1&2 Peter. Water walking Peter had some issues like many of us – he had his strengths but he also had his weaknesses. But, once you have met Jesus – that makes all the difference. You mess up – Jesus forgives you, you deny him – Jesus still loves you.
Thinking it Over:
The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, and all of the circumstances, which accompanied them, led to a wonderful change in Peter’s mind. It was Peter who wrote these words in chapter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;”
Prayer Starter:
Lord, you alone can change me and you alone can mold me. For you are the potter and I am the clay……………..
Your Sister in Christ, Ve-Anna Thomas – http://www.ve-annathomas.com – Find me on Social Media @pastorveannathomas
Remember you can download this devotional in PDF format. Simply click on the link below to view, save or print.
Download the PDF version of this devotional here: Holding onto Hope Devotion – April 2017 – Peter’s Tale
Ve-Anna Thomas 