SCRIPTURE: John 1:35-42
“You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). (John 1:42)
This is not a formal, ceremonial name change, but a keen personal observation.
Like when meeting a tough in your face fighter, and saying, ‘I think I’ll call you Scrappy’.
Jesus sees into who Simon is – his character, his strengths, his ‘growth areas’, and names him for what he is.
And as we see, Simon is a hard-headed, and ultimately solid kid of guy.
Each of us has our own character, strength and ‘growth areas’.
Jesus calls us as we are, and directs us towards His kingdom cause.
In the process, He addresses the character flaws, but only to improve our performance.
We come to Jesus, just as we are; thankfully He does not leave us just as we are.
You and I are also called to join with Him for His kingdom.
“Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:17-18)
He also builds His church on people like us.
What character or strengths do you bring to the kingdom?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, my strengths and my weakness are surrendered to You. Refine and improve me, so that You can build Your church on me too!
Jesus is the Rock, the Living Stone, foundation, or cornerstone upon which the church is built. But people like ‘Rocky’ and ‘Scrappy’ and you and me are the living stones with which He builds the church (1 Peter 2:4-5). Weak, flawed, uneducated, lowly people whose confidence is in Christ, the Son of the Living God. I disagree with Catholics, Peter is not the rock upon which the church is built. But Peter is one of the rocks (living stones) that the Living Stone is using to build His spiritual house, along with you and me!
Peter was not the rock upon which the church was built.
Observation/Application
Insights.
Being Spirit filled and Spirit led.
John was.
The two disciples were.
Come and see.
Come and see what I do and say.
Impressive.
Witness.
Witnesses.
And I?
I too have a name change – Christian. I must live up to that name being Spirit filled and Spirit led. I need to spend my days also with Him. Kingdom work by His leading and guiding.
Today is a new day to be working in His kingdom.
I am a C
I am a C-H
I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N
And I have C-H-R-I-S-T
In my H-E-A-R-T
And I will L-I-V-E E-T-E-R-N-A-L-L-Y!