Peter… Jesus called him “the rock” (but I have wondered if there wasn’t an inside joke about his stubbornness?)
Jokes aside, Peter is one of the disciples that gives me hope.
In Mark 8 Jesus starts to lay out His future and what is going to happen. Preparing his disciples for what is to come.
”He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.”
(Mark 8:31 NIV)
But true to form, Peter is up and takes Jesus aside and REBUKES HIM!!?
I mean, I am sure that in the few years they have been together, all the disciples at some point didn’t agree with Jesus (and often not each other) but this time Peter goes out on a limb and tells Jesus to his face:
Your plan sucks. I don’t like it. Think of something else!
(My words, not the bible’s 😉)
At this point, Jesus, also with a bit of passion and vigour, informs Peter that his heart (Peter’s heart) is set on his own ways and understanding, and not on God’s Plan.
Now… I have had discussions like this with God. Seriously questioning His plans and making helpful suggestions, (because, He is busy and everything, you know?)… so I understand Peter. But I also think that Peter actually realised that what Jesus said is true, and he just couldn’t stand the pain of even thinking about what it entails… the realisation of what it actually means.
But this led me to another thought:
God’s plan for my life…? Am I living it? or am I rebuking God over it just because it’s not easy, or simple? My friend, Gideon, sent me an interview and one of the speakers referred to a quote by Corrie ten Boom:
“When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off…”
I don’t think Jesus was upset with Peter.
He Himself prayed, with considerable anguish, that God, His Father, take away what is coming. But God didn’t answer Jesus’ Prayer… And we are eternally grateful because if His plan did not complete, there would be no salvation! And I do think that for the longest time, Peter (and the other disciples) thought there will just be another miracle, and Jesus would be free. Can you imagine what was going through their heads during the days leading up to the crucifixion?
If that train didn’t go through the dark tunnel to get to its final destination, we would be so lost… and if Peter didn’t deny Jesus in that darkest moment, would he be able to testify as he did just a few weeks later, taking on without fear, the same religious leaders that crucified Jesus.
Our struggles doesn’t just make us stronger, or better or give us more perseverance… It gives us compassion, and understanding, and a story to tell. A comforting ear to hear, and then strength to keep a brother, or sister, standing as they go through their own battle.
“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow!”
(Philippians 4:4 TPT)
