Quiet Time Coaching Episode 499 | New Thing Series — Part 54 | “Peter’s Vulnerability - Part 3” | Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 499 | New Thing Series — Part 54 | “Peter’s Vulnerability - Part 3” | 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.

 

“…early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”” (Matthew 14:25-33 NRSV)

 

Peter’s Vulnerability

• Peter experiences something unprecedented. He thinks he sees a ghost and is terrified.
• Peter’s response to Jesus identifying himself is to test the truth of that claim
• He gets more than he bargained for, but takes Jesus at his word
• He risks looking like a fool in front of the other disciples
• He risks his life
• He experiences his inadequacy of faith and the adequacy of Jesus to help him in his lack of faith

 

For Reflection

Peter displays great faith by getting out of the boat, and then displays great humanness by sinking. However, he still had enough faith to ask the right person for help.  He was humbled by the experience, but humble enough to ask for help.  Peter had enough faith to get a prayer through, even though his faith must have been shaken by the experience. Jesus believes Peter capable of greater faith than he did of himself. Peter’s actions inspire the rest of the people in the boat - they worship.  We do not need perfect faith to see Jesus work powerfully in our lives. And even an imperfect faith is enough to inspire people to worship God.

 

Why not take some time today to ask God to reveal to you the level of faith he believes you're capable of?

 

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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