"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,"
1 Peter 1:1
"Peter,..."
1 Peter 1:1
"Peter,..."
In the beginning introduction we learn so much about Peter.
We learn that he accepted and believed and embraced the name Jesus gave him without clinging to his former identity.
He calls himself, "Peter." Not Simon--who he was. Or even Simon Peter in an attempt to cling to his former identity while trying to embrace his new one.
Instead, he simply refers to himself as Peter, the rock.
The question I ask myself is, "Do I embrace the new identity the Lord has given me? Do I see myself the way He sees me, as a perfect, spotless Bride... as a new creation... as one free from condemnation? Or do I cling, somewhere in my spirit and in my mind, to who I was before Him?
We learn that he accepted and believed and embraced the name Jesus gave him without clinging to his former identity.
He calls himself, "Peter." Not Simon--who he was. Or even Simon Peter in an attempt to cling to his former identity while trying to embrace his new one.
Instead, he simply refers to himself as Peter, the rock.
•••
The question I ask myself is, "Do I embrace the new identity the Lord has given me? Do I see myself the way He sees me, as a perfect, spotless Bride... as a new creation... as one free from condemnation? Or do I cling, somewhere in my spirit and in my mind, to who I was before Him?
•••
"an apostle..."
•••
Peter's identification was not:
• with his former occupation (fisherman)
• or his location (region of Galilee)
• or his condemnation (the one rebuked by Jesus & the one that denied Him three times)
• not in His education (or lack thereof)
• nor his earthly relation (son of...)
• or even his acclamation ( I'm one of the twelve you know-wink, wink-- I've seen Moses--nudge, nudge)
• or his accumulation (I own a boat and my own business...)
• or his aspiration (One day I'm going to...)
Instead, his identity is in God's intention for his life--to be a messenger of the gospel and in his function as a living, active part of the body of Christ.
His identification was wrapped up in his determination to fulfill the commandment and will of God for his life.
• with his former occupation (fisherman)
• or his location (region of Galilee)
• or his condemnation (the one rebuked by Jesus & the one that denied Him three times)
• not in His education (or lack thereof)
• nor his earthly relation (son of...)
• or even his acclamation ( I'm one of the twelve you know-wink, wink-- I've seen Moses--nudge, nudge)
• or his accumulation (I own a boat and my own business...)
• or his aspiration (One day I'm going to...)
Instead, his identity is in God's intention for his life--to be a messenger of the gospel and in his function as a living, active part of the body of Christ.
His identification was wrapped up in his determination to fulfill the commandment and will of God for his life.
"of Jesus Christ"
Not Jesus of Nazareth
Not Jesus, a carpenter
Not Jesus, son of Mary
Not Jesus born in Bethlehem
But Jesus Christ
In those two names Peter acknowledged that the man known in humanity as
Not Jesus, a carpenter
Not Jesus, son of Mary
Not Jesus born in Bethlehem
But Jesus Christ
In those two names Peter acknowledged that the man known in humanity as
Jesus from Nazareth, who was a carpenter,
son of Mary, born in Bethlehem
son of Mary, born in Bethlehem
was fully, completely, totally Divinity.
Peter acknowledges Jesus as LORD, as Messiah, as fulfillment of prophecy and of God in the flesh.
Peter acknowledges Jesus as LORD, as Messiah, as fulfillment of prophecy and of God in the flesh.
•••
Lord, we come to You and ask for clarity so that we would see ourselves according to the truth of Scripture. By Your Spirit, may we cling to the identity You provided. We are simply sinners saved by grace. May we walk by Your grace to fulfill the calling and purpose You've ordained for us-- to worship You and give You glory.
Amen.
Amen.
1 comments:
I admittedly have such a hard time seeing myself through the "cross filter". I know where I have been and what I have done but I also know that I am now robed in righteousness. It is hard to move from head to heart knowledge.
Having helped raise kiddos...I can at least grasp a hold of how, as the adult, I have had to give consequences for actions and yet COMPLETELY love THEM despite what they chose to do. And how my heart breaks as they suffer those consequences.
But it is sometimes difficult to accept that is how the Lord sees and feels about me...not as much as it used to, but there are still lingering moments of it.
I am finding that it can sometimes become a stumbling block that keeps me from ministering to the people around me. Because I am reminded of all the "why's" that I shouldn't be the one to speak to someone or get so caught up in guilt for something long since forgotten that I am overwhelmed by it and fail to see someone who is currently hurting and needs to be shown love and compassion.
But God...famous two words...there is hope and I am so thankful for the constant transforming that the Lord is doing. That I AM a new creation with a new calling led by a Saviour who can do ANYTHING with ANYONE.
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