25 to Life - Peter: The "rock" of denial

Lately, since our 16 month old has learned to walk, run, climb, and jump, we have spent an enormous amount of time, removing him, redirecting him, keeping him in check.  One of the cutest things I think I've seen him do is help unload the dishwasher.  He'll pick up the clean plates, bowls, & etc. (we do take the knives out before in case you were worried) and hand them to me one at a time until we have them all put away.  It's adorable to watch him want to help and do his very best at it, but the problem occurs once we are attempting to load the dirty dishes in.  He doesn't understand that they need to be ran and cleaned before he can take them out, but he does it anyway, and we have to stop him from helping at that point because he just doesn't fully understand.  Although our little boy is determined to be helpful and to please us, he doesn't quite get that he is creating more work and issues in his trying to help.

I used to sometimes fear that I may get that way with my faith.  Although my intentions were good, I just didn't really understand what God's plan was, and in those moments, it was next to impossible for me to witness or share the good news of our spiritual freedom through Jesus Christ. Once that would set in, then came the fear of being ridiculed for it, and following close was the denial, because it was easier to avoid the situation by not claiming my faith, than it was to face my fears.  Peter had a similar issue.

A successful co-owner of a prominent fishing business, Simon, whom Jesus would later call Peter, was one of Jesus' early followers.  Having a leaders heart and being such an extrovert eventually made Peter the "head" spokesperson for the twelve disciples.  Peter could've been accused of being somewhat out of control, and although his intentions we're good, he sometimes had a knack for flubbing everything up, especially when it came to matters of extreme faith.

Matthew 14:24-31 Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.  But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”  Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water."  He said, “Come ahead.”  Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”  Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you"?

Through all of the things that Peter did while following Jesus, he never faltered on his faith, that is. until the night Jesus was betrayed and arrested.  At that point his fear set in and he denied ever knowing Jesus at all.  Even through all of that, Jesus still told Peter that he was the rock on which he build the church.  It goes without saying that Jesus must have had his hands full with Peter.  Yet He still gave him love and responsibility in return. Even though he outright denied knowing Jesus three times when accused, Peter still managed to  become what Jesus was looking for.  He he became the rock on which the future of the Christ following church was established. 

For all of this, where do you think we stand?  If you are breathing then you're qualified!  That's all, Jesus never asked any of His disciples for a resume.  He never required them to have any minimum of years experience to be accepted.  All He asked was that they listened, loved, had faith, and stayed obedient.  That's it, nothing more.  I love knowing that when I accepted Jesus into my heart and life, He accepted me in his, and placed me before the throne of God.  Even though I may be rough around the edges, I know that I am good enough for Jesus and never have to worry about anything because I know that He has and always will take care of me.