Faithful on Fridays Blog

I’m confident that you already know a little something about the disciple named Simon; Jesus later added Peter to his name, meaning rock. Simon Peter is infamous or notorious for his three-time denial of knowing Christ but few ever mention his stellar life of leadership with the first church in Jerusalem (Acts 1-12). He was also a powerful itinerant teacher, had a Holy Spirit encounter which opened the door of salvation to all nations (Acts 10), and wrote two published letters directed at his Jewish brothers and sisters: First and Second Peter. They also fail to remember that Jesus attended an apostolic breakfast meeting when He prophesied Peter’s death to be like His own (John 21); history tells us Peter also died by crucifixion. Infamous? Not anymore.

Undoubtedly Peter had a rough start but in that last meeting he reversed his three-time denial with a three-time declaration of his love for Christ: that’s restoration. His new, apostolic mission, his name’s always listed first in the lineup, was to lead and feed Jesus’ sheep. 

Open your Bibles to First Peter and notice his introduction included the three parts of the Trinity (vs. 1-2) and their roles. It was Peter’s responsibility, as directed by Jesus, to direct the sheep on the right path of salvation; not simply how to go to heaven but how to follow Christ in this life. Sometimes salvation is rescue and deliverance by God and other times it’s the power to endure. 

Peter began his letter with such overwhelming joy that it makes me smile (vs. 3-5); he preached the gospel and declared God’s mercy to experience a spiritual rebirth, hope that’s alive because of the resurrection, and an inheritance waiting for us in heaven.

Now that’s reason to rejoice (vs. 6-9) even in the midst of some hard times life throws at us. Make no mistake, following Jesus isn’t always easy but it’s always attainable and focusing on His return makes it even easier (vs. 7). Peter reminded us that faith, trust, and love of God is invisible, however, there’s a visible Day coming when He will return and our salvation will be complete: that’s inexpressible, over the top, joy.

Being a good teacher Peter explained that the Old Testament prophets had a foretaste (Is. 53) of the future Messiah, described His suffering, consequently, angels were wondering and longing to understand it all. 

… what are mere mortals that You should think about them, human beings that You should care for them? Yet You made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. Psalms 8:4-5

Some theologians believe angels are wondering in these verses about the amazing plan of God, “we don’t understand it but it’s exciting to watch!”

The Holy Spirit is still preaching the good news to us (vs. 12) through various gifted people (Eph. 4:11-14), so join me, a humble Bible teacher, in understanding Peter’s heart for the sheep.