Article: IF IT BE THOU

Friday, October 18, 2002 - 09:41 PM

"IF IT BE THOU"
By Patrick D. Andrews

Peter, the boldest of the Apostles and a Galilean fisherman is the objective of a great deal of negative criticism. He's the same Peter made aware of Jesus and His teaching by Andrew, his brother. John 1:40-41 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. Peter became a disciple of Jesus from the earliest days of the ministry of the Christ.

Oftentimes, we fail to give any regard for the willingness of this apostle chosen by the Christ to be a "fisher of men." After all, He is the one who responded to Jesus' question with the renowned confession regarding both the deity and greatness of the Christ. John 6:68-69 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Peter recognized Him for who He is--Jesus was the promised Christ. Similarly, Peter again answered Jesus' thought provoking questions. Matthew 16:13b ....he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? "They" answered the first question. Matthew 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Peter's more specific reply was to the more specific question. Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Jesus knew Peter for who he really was--chosen by the Christ and called to greater service for the King of Kings. Peter's explicit answer set the stage for more teaching and learning. Matthew 16:17-19 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

However, Peter is remembered best for his denial and his lack of faith. Firstly, the denial is complex--three times. Matthew 26:70, 72 & 74 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. 72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. 74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the ***** crew. Most importantly we must acknowledge the rest of the story. He gazed into the eyes of Jesus and it was too much for him to bear. Luke 22:61-62 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the ***** crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

Peter, like us, made of human flesh and filled with human passions would have thoughts about his own faith and devotion. He was the bold one when Jesus came walking. Matthew 14:28-29 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. The emphasis is usually on the sinking, but Peter walked on water! He asked! Jesus invited him! He stepped from the boat onto the water and walked on water before he was distracted. He allowed his concentration to be disturbed--sea--waves--water. His faith wavered!

He's strong. He's standing beside the Christ. He declared his devotion. He was rebuked for using the sword and then he ran from the danger of the moment. Then he seeks a closer look at the goings on. The proximity brought the accusation and then came the denial. As soon as the words were spoken it was too late. The denial is history and history cannot be changed. Matthew 26:74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the ***** crew.

Historians, Christians, and students of the Word know about the denial. They more readily remember the denial and often forget the walk upon the water.

Now the focus changes from Peter to the rest of us. What does it take to cause a 21st century denial? Large crowd? Clubs? Swords? Other implements of war? Shouting? Kiss on the cheek? Do we allow the simple events of life to complicate the importance of eternity? Friends, neighbors, and a great crowd of "others" are watching. Who and what does it take to get us to deny the Jesus who loved us so much that He went to the Cross for us?

Maybe we have an advantage over Peter. Our denials will not be listed in the scriptures for everyone to see. The scriptures contain every type of denial, but our name is not directly attached to them. Most of us will never be the subject or point of some Bible class discussion or an illustrated example used in a Sunday sermon. Even so, it gives pain to the Savior when we fail to acknowledge Him for who He is.

If you listen with your soul, you can still hear His question. Matthew 16:13b .....Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? What is your ever present answer?