Quiet Time Coaching Episode 498 | New Thing Series — Part 53 | “Peter’s Vulnerability - Part 2” | Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 498 | New Thing Series — Part 53 | “Peter’s Vulnerability - Part 2” | Malcolm Cox

 

Introduction

A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'

 

We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s vulnerability.

 

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.” (Matthew 16:13-20 NRSV)

 

Peter’s Vulnerability

• The rest of the disciples do not speak up when given the chance to express their convictions
• Peter tells Jesus what he is thinking
• Perhaps it is what the other disciples are thinking, but they don't have the confidence to say so
• Peter takes the risk of looking like a fool
• Peter is given a vision of the new thing that Jesus is calling him to

 

For Reflection

Peter often functions as a spokesperson for the rest of the apostles. For example:

 

“Peter said, “Explain the parable to us.”” (Matthew 15:15 NIV11)

“Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”” (Matthew 19:27 NIV11)

 

There is something about verbalising our convictions which strengthens them. Jesus responds: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah!” (Matthew 16:17 NRSV). Why is he blessed? Because his heart is in line with God’s, and thereby God is able to reveal things to him that are hidden from most people. God is able to reveal things to Peter, and use him as one of his key agents because he is willing to be vulnerable.

 

Why not take some time today to ask God to speak your convictions out loud - whether to fellow believers, or to those who do not yet know God?

 

Conclusion

I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

 

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

 

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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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