There are many faithful men whose lives are recorded in Scripture as an example for us to follow. The life of the Apostle Peter certainly falls into this category. We seem to be able to draw very close to this man for we can see in many of his actions, characteristics common to ourselves. Many of the patriarchs of old lead lives that seem far above our capabilities. However, in Peter we find a man who failed in many of the same ways we do. yet his heart was right and he was forgiven. From the record of his short comings and triumphs we can derive much comfort and exhortation.
Peter was an ordinary man such as one of us. His occupation was a fisherman for which his large, strong body made him particularly well suited. His ambitious and impetuous nature often caused him to do things for which he was sorry afterwards. However, through all this his intentions were sincere and he was one of the three that were closest to Jesus during His ministry. The incidents in his life illustrate best of all the many facets of his character.
As we look at a few of these incidents, we can see those qualities which caused Jesus to give him the commission, “Feed my sheep.” In the Apostle Peter we can see those characteristics which can carry us through every trial and temptation and lead us to a place at Jesus’ right hand.
The call of Peter illustrates the first important lesson we can draw from his life. Peter had witnessed the healing of his wife’s mother. At the Sea of Galilee he rowed the boat from which Jesus taught the people. After Jesus completed his teaching, He asked Peter to let down the net. Peter was very reluctant to do so, for he had toiled all night with no results. However, at the Lord’s command, he did cast out the net. The result was amazing, in no time the net was full to the point of breaking. Thus Peter had a personal, first hand exhibition of Jesus’ power to perform miracles.
Jesus’ teaching showed Peter what was the right way ; Jesus’ miracles demonstrated that He was truly endowed with the power of God. The knowledge and the evidence were there. When Jesus said, “Follow me,” there was no hesitation. Peter left all and followed him.
The lesson is obvious, when we have the knowledge of the word and the miraculous fulfilment of prophecy demonstrates that the word is of God, we must follow Peter’s example. We have no other choice but to forsake all and follow him. Peter did not go halfway. He forsook his former way of life and devoted himself entirely to the service of His Lord. How close can you come to this example?
The occasion when Peter walked upon the Sea of Galilee illustrates an incident when his impetuous nature was stronger than his faith. When Peter saw his Lord walking upon the water, he was so stirred with enthusiasm by the drama of the situation, that he cried, “Lord, if it be thou, hid me come unto thee on the water.” “And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.” This took a great deal of faith, however, it was short lived.
When Peter looked around him and saw the churning water and felt the buffeting wind his faith wavered and he began to sink. Even though Peter’s faith had wavered, Jesus did not forsake him. He extended his hand, buyed him up and helped him safely into the ship.
How often have we started out on a new undertaking in the Truth full of ambition, faith and enthusiasm? How many times has the initial faith and enthusiasm waned before the winds of adversity and the weakness of the flesh ? This has probably happened to most of us more times than we would like to admit. The wonderful redeeming feature is that the hand of Jesus is always extended to us when we falter. He is always there to give us strength, bring us safely into the ship and allow us to begin anew with renewed faith. It is only when we try to rely upon our own resources completely that we have no hope.
Then we will drown in the seas of adversity which surround us. We are bound to fail many times in this life, but Peter’s example brings home so forcibly the fact that Jesus hand will always be extended to draw us to him if our heart is right.
Peter was one of the blessed three who witnessed, at the scene of the transfiguration, the glorification of Jesus upon the slopes of Mount Harmon. Imagine the thrill of awe and admiration that must have gone through Peter’s entire body when he heard God’s own voice out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son: hear him.” Imagine how the thought of this moment must have been a source of comfort, hope and strength in the perilous days that lay ahead.
In these days of Gentile darkness we do not have the direct manifestation of God’s presence as was witnessed by Peter. However, we have things happening before our very eyes that are just as miraculous as the transfiguration. We have prophecies made thousands of years ago being fulfilled before our very eyes. The light that we have is truly as bright as that shown upon the mount as expressed by Peter himself, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy : Whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”
The humanity of Peter is most clearly shown in the events connected with his denial of Christ. The situation is familiar to all of us. In the hours of Jesus’ darkest trial, Peter, when confronted with the accusation that he was also a Galilean and one of them with Christ, denied that he even knew the man. The full impact of the situation is staggering. Peter, in the presence of Jesus, denied that he even knew him. Oh, how weak is the flesh!
Fortunately for all of us, how all encompassing is the mercy and forgiveness of God. Peter sincerely repented and sought God’s forgiveness and it was granted.
We can contrast Peter’s denial to that of Judas. Judas denied his Lord and betrayed him to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver. He too had great sorrow of heart.’ He saw no hope for himself either through his own devices or in the unforgiving hearts of the men of the world.
He took the human way out killing himself. Both men sinned, one by denying his Lord, the other by betraying Him. “One spoke impetuously before thinking, the other was guilty of premeditated murder. Judas trusted in mankind and saw no way out of his dilemma; Peter trusted in God a n d was forgiven.”
The exhortation is there for us to follow. Even though we go so far as to deny our Lord and we do it in many ways — we may receive forgiveness if our heart is right. We must follow Peter’s example and place ourself at God’s mercy. The depth of his mercy is unsearchable ; we will be forgiven.
Jesus’ complete forgiveness of Peter is shown by the commission he gave him. Christ’s command to Peter was “Feed my sheep.” Notice how Jesus repeats the phrase three times. Peter was annoyed that his Lord should have to repeat the commission three times and probably very much chagrined as he realised that Jesus was no doubt gently reprimanding him for his threefold denial of his Lord.
The commission given Peter is applicable to all of us. We must offer spiritual food to all around us so that we can he strengthened through the giving and our brethren may receive spiritual upbuilding.
Summarizing the events in Peter’s life which can be of comfort, hope and exhortation to us we find : He left all and followed Jesus ; On the sea of Galilee he exhibited a great zeal that was aided by the extended hand of his Lord ; he witnessed the glory of Jesus on the mount of transfiguration; he denied his Lord, but was forgiven because his heart was right.
In closing let us follow Peter’s own words, “wherefore beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blamelessness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.”
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One