Shaping, Molding, Restoration & Purpose – What She Said #15 – Week 6, Day 3

TODAY’S TREASURE

With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.

Matthew 19:26

Transcript

What She Said #15

Shaping, Molding, Restoration & Purpose 

Guest Writer,  Pam Clarke

TODAY’S TREASURE

With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.

Matthew 19:26  

The Shaping and Molding of Peter: The Apostle Peter was a man who meant well, but in the 24 hours leading up to the Cross of Jesus Christ, he failed miserably. The following is what he did:

• Argued with Jesus when he tried to wash his feet – disobedience – John 13:6-9
• Slept when he should have been praying – laziness – Matthew 26:41 and 45
• Cut off a man’s ear – violence – John 18:10-11
• Fled when Jesus was arrested – ran away from God – Matthew 26:56
• Denied Christ three times and cursed and swore – anger – Matthew 26:69-75

All this in 24 hours! You want shame, sorrow, and remorse? He disobeyed, was lazy, violent, cursed and swore, was angry, and denied he even knew Jesus.

Peter is the man of God who is mentioned 183 times in the Holy Scriptures. Peter is the man who is mentioned in nine Books of the Bible!!

STOP!!!! — How can such a miserable failure be used by God? How can that be possible?

Matthew 19:26 — With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.  

The Restoration of Peter: After Jesus’s death, Peter went back to fishing. One day, when he was out on the boat, he saw the risen Lord standing on the beach. Impulsive Peter jumped out of the boat and ran 100 yards to where Jesus was standing on the shoreline.

If I was standing on the shore, I think my first words to Peter would be, “Dude! You walked with me for three years, didn’t you learn anything? Why did you cut off that soldier’s ear, and why, oh why, did you sleep when you should have prayed? Why, why, why…”

But in John 21:15-17, we find that Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” (agape love), and each time Peter affirms his love for his Savior (phileo love). The command Jesus gives each time is, “Feed my sheep.” The command is not to stop cursing, never get angry, or never cut off someone’s ear!!! The command is agape love. The Lord never mentioned all of Peter’s failures. He only mentioned agape love.  

That time on the beach taught Peter about agape love, forgiveness, and grace. Jesus asked Peter if he loved him three times (agape love - sacrificial and selfless love, which is exemplified by Jesus’ death on the cross, an act of the will). Peter answered “Yes, I love you” (phileo love — feelings, purely emotional, brotherly love) until he realized the third time that the love Jesus requires is agape love, which is an act of the will and not based on emotions or feelings.  

LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT

Agape love is not easy. It requires a lot of time, money, personal involvement, and hard work. It asks you to go places you don’t want to go and do things that you don’t want to do. Sometimes we don’t want to show this kind of love because it requires sacrifice and effort. Only Jesus can teach us this type of love, and when He does, you will never be the same again.

Agape love is a regenerating love that starts ministries and movements. It makes a difference! 

PRAYER 

Jesus, who are we that You are mindful of us? Teach us how to love & forgive others the way You love and forgive us. In Your Name we pray. Amen.