"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.
