Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers
of men.”
When the Lord called disciples to himself I'm sure they did
not realize all that it entailed. I can specifically think of two quick
instances....both involving Peter. At the Mt. of Transfiguration, when Peter,
James & John saw the Lord speaking with Moses & Elijah; Peter said to
Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three
shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still
speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This
is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew
17:4-5). I'm sure they felt pretty foolish...this is God's son...his beloved
son.
Peter, after walking with Jesus for some time, vowed he
would never turn his back on the Lord.
So here we are Jesus is arrested and just like Jesus said,
Peter denies the Lord.
The facts verified that Peter was with Christ. A witness
came forth; a second witness, and lastly the third witness speaks....that he
was with Jesus. This time his own accent gave him away. His accent, the way he
spoke told other that was from Galilee. A fisherman, called and sold out for
the cause of Christ...ready to die, but made to be a liar; an additional
witness; the crow, a bird; a bird, is the instrument used to remind Peter, the
Lord was correct, you have denied the one you said you would die for.
These men that God handpicked to carry the Good News, failed
often.....they were not perfect men; they were men being refined and changed
daily to reflect their Rabbi, their leader, their God and Redeemer. We know that later on Jesus speaks to Peter
and charges him to "feed my sheep".
Peter feed the sheep? Peter to take care of the flock? Peter given
responsibility over others; that's big stuff; he can't even speak up when asked
if he was with Jesus? But that's exactly
what the Lord does. I'm sure Peter held on to these words and caused them to
play and replay in his mind. The Lord was able and willing to use Peter
regardless of his shortcoming, regardless of the disappointment he felt when
his opportunity to "stand up" was stolen by fear. The Lord knows what
we are made off. Our weakness at times does not have make us less effective, if
we are those that yield to the Lord, God can still use us. And truly Peter was used to bring the Gospel
to all who would hear!
The Lord calls & equips.
He makes simple men wise. He takes the yielded and gives them courage to
proceed even if failure has visited us.
God is the one who "makes us" ...we "just
follow".
Father in heaven, take our hearts that are yielded to you
and use us. Cause courage to rise and faithfulness to lead us. Help our ears hear when you say follow me and
let all that we are chase after you!
God bless you!~Liz www.lizrod.com
