BEFORE WE ORGANISE WE MUST AGONISE

Prologue

“And Peter went out and wept bitterly” (LukAnde22:62)

The encounter of Peter and Jesus is one that Peter would never forget because it was a miraculous one. He and his companions were at the lake of Gennesaret, washing their nets out of disappointment because they couldn’t catch anything for the whole night. Little did they know was that their disappointment will turn into an appointment with the LORD. I wonder how many people have experienced this. Disappointment stirs up negative emotions. They spent the whole night at the lake without catching anything and there comes a stranger, entering Peter’s boat without his permission and requesting him to thrust out a little from the land (luke5:2-6). That was way too much for one day to deal with. Tired as he was he had to give up arguing whether to thrust out a little from the land or obey. We know that Peter was capable of swearing (Matthew26:74) yet here the scripture is silent of whether he cursed or not but I imagine him under these circumstances. Tired and disappointed, and there comes someone out of the blue pestering him on his very own boat. Jesus seemed to be enjoying the hospitality on Peter’s boat because there he taught the multitude that surrounded him and when he was done he turned unto Peter and said launch out into the deep, and let downyour nets for a great drought. After the great catch Peter and his companions followed Jesus, the miracle plus the teachings added together must have changed their lives to an extent that they never wanted to miss out any more. This shows that people don’t just wake up loving or liking you, there must be something about you that draws them to you. The problem will begin when that point of attraction cease. I wonder what would have happen to Peter and his friends should Jesus have stopped performing miracles. Would they have continued following him? I doubt.

Following Jesus; Peter was never disappointed, there has been too many miracles to witness and it must have felt good to be close to that kind of a person. Practicing to rebuke demons on his own, walking on water, this was indeed an extra-ordinary life for Peter; in fact it was living in the supernatural.

All of a sudden there comes Jesus, telling his disciples how he would die in Jerusalem (Matthew16:21-23). There were now twelve of them and learning from their Master hence they are referred as disciples. This was difcult for the disciples to grasp; that how could a miracle performer allow such things to happen to him. He can easily fy away or call multitudes of angels to rescue him. He promised them to catch men but so far it seems as if they are the ones who will be hunted down and be the preys tomen. Once they crucify him what would become of them since they left all they had to follow him? Jesus’ fate emphasis brought emotional confict and distress to the disciples. Following Jesus is costly and risky most of the times. The journey would not always be of miracles, there would be mountains to climb and rivers to cross, and all these need a person who will keep in mind the words that Jesus said when calling him. It needs a person who will stand firm even when the promises seem impossible because every promise has to be tested and pass through f ire to prove its worth. Peter being quick to speak and not being easily convinced he withstood Jesus prophecy and took upon himself a rebuke. Peter must have been a brave fellow, rebuking his master openly without taking into consideration the consequences of his act. I love the spirit that was on Peter, not easily convinced and courageous to speak his mind, not like today’s Christians, easily deceived and turned away from the truth in the name of prophecy and miracles.

During the last supper Jesus warned everyone beforehand about how they would all betray him. No one answered him, but only Peter who refused to accept that he would deny Jesus let alone desert him until they all joined in saying the same. “But he spake the more vehemently, if I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said them all.” (matthew26:35). No wonder Jesus said upon this rock I shall build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Peter was never afraid to stand his ground as an individual. Let’s rephrased Peter statement a little: “though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended”, and answer this question: how many people have scars resulted from the above promise? It is often easy to speak than acting out what you said.