Return unto me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28
Simon Peter saw, experienced, beheld, witnessed A LOT - much more than the Bible records (John 20:30). He walked, ate, communed with Jesus - was one of his closest companions and friends. Peter witnessed Lazarus’ resurrection. He observed his mother-in-law’s healing. He tasted water transformed into wine. He was a bystander when Jesus healed the woman with the bleeding disorder. He beheld the deliverance of the demoniac. He was an eyewitness to the stormy seas becoming calm. Peter walked on water! Peter was a spectator, a witness, an observer of the transfiguration! He saw Moses and Elijah! He heard God’s voice declaring Jesus’ divinity!!!!
Yet, with all this, Peter denied Jesus not once, not twice, but three times. He ran. He hid. He returned to fishing! Mourning, defeated and depleted, Peter went back to his old occupation and ways.
And this is where Jesus found him. Jesus provided purpose (my lambs), and put Peter on a path (wait in Jerusalem). Peter forgets fishing and follows the footpath forward.
Pentecost. Peter orates his famous speech (Acts 2) and, in one day, 3000 were added to the upper room remnant. Peter emulates Jesus - he performs signs, wonders, miracles, resurrections - even his shadow heals and delivers!
What was the difference? Peter had seen, his eyes beheld many, many, many incredible, supernatural, divinely orchestrated happenings. But, when push came to shove, and he was on his own, he returned to his rut.
Holy Spirit was the difference. Holy Spirit gave Peter boldness, words, power, ability. Holy Spirit was the divine supernatural force surging through him, residing in him, empowering, emboldening, prompting Peter to progress forward. Post Pentecost, Peter plugged into the source.
This convicts me. I have seen. I have witnessed. I have beheld. I am post Pentecost. But my life isn’t always like Jesus’.
I think it is a partnering problem - I am like a cord, laying next to an outlet; unplugged and powerless. I have failed to stay in constant connection, communication, intimacy with Him. This is my aim in 2022 - to plug in, practice His presence, abide, to hear His voice and heed it. A returning, a remaining - a resting - to embrace what I was created to receive.
We have not depended on made-up stories in making known to you the mighty coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. With our own eyes we saw his greatness. We were there when he was given honor and glory by God the Father, when the voice came to him from the Supreme Glory, Saying, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased!” We ourselves heard this voice coming from heaven, when we ere with him on the holy mountain.” 2 Peter 1:16-18 GNB