Endings promote spiritual formation
By Larry Platner
Day 6
Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?” And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.” 37 “But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me. NLT
Peter was confident about his own faith and his commitment to follow Jesus. Yet the death of Jesus was a change that Peter was totally unprepared for. It challenged Peter to the core of his heart and revealed his weakness and fears. Change has a way of doing this. After his resurrection Jesus ministered to Peter, restoring his faith and Peter went on to lead the church.
Change is an opportunity for spiritual formation. Though brutal at times, it reveals our fears, weaknesses and wrong attitudes. Yet without this we wouldn’t acknowledge our need for Jesus and we wouldn’t mature in our faith. Peter wept once he realised his lack of faith in denying Jesus. Later while fishing he saw Jesus on the shore and instead of avoiding Him, leaped from the boat in his urgency to be with Him. Jesus then served Peter and the others breakfast and ministered to Peter, “Do you love me?”, Jesus asked, Peter replied, “Yes Lord”, then Jesus says “Feed my sheep”. Jesus recommissioned Peter; a Peter who was humbled and more aware of his need for Jesus.
Do you welcome changes that challenge your faith as a gift, as an opportunity for spiritual growth?
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. ESV