1 Peter1:1-2, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood. May grace and peace be multiplied to you.”
What comes to your mind when you think of Peter in the Bible? Peter was a middle-class fisherman. The professional fishermen of their day did not sit around idly. They sorted their catch, prepared for a catch, and mended their equipment. They were not quitters. Courage, faith, patience, determination, and working as a team were what fishermen were required to do. This was the make-up of Peter, an apostle, and leader, who had a profound impact, magnetic personality, outspoken, and was an influential man in the early church who did more than walk on the water with Jesus (Matt. 14:24-33).
Peter wrote 1 Peter to encourage Christian’s suffering persecution, injustice, and being misunderstood for their faith. Here are a few more bullet points about Peter (David Guzik Commentary):
- Jesus rebuked Peter more than any other disciple.
- Peter confessed Jesus more boldly and accurately than any other disciple.
- Peter denied Jesus more forcefully and publicly than any other disciple.
- Jesus praised Peter more than any other disciple.
- Jesus addressed Peter as Satan alone among the disciples.
- Peter put his nets out at the direction of Jesus to bring in a massive catch of fish (Luke 5:1-11).
- Peter saw Jesus transfigured in glory, together with Moses and Elijah.
- Peter was the one who received a personal visit from the resurrected Jesus on the day of the resurrection (Luke 24:34).
- Peter received a public restoration of Jesus in front of the other disciples after the resurrection of Jesus (John 21).
We can learn so much from Peter, who was impulsive. Jesus knew Peter’s strengths and weaknesses, rebuked him, and yet praised him more than any other disciple. So, when you get down on yourself when you have blown it, confess it to the Lord, and praise Him for giving you the authority of your restored relationship and position in Christ. This is your temporary address because your citizenship is in heaven. Live in that awareness throughout your day. Peter wrote to the elect, to which you are, as a born-again Christian in Christ. So be strengthened and encouraged because you are a chosen person of Christ who has intimate knowledge of you. You were not a random choice. You are a possessor of God’s grace and mercy. “Grace is not freedom to sin, but fuel for obedience.” Pastor Todd Smith (Rom. 6:15-23).
Take in a deep and long breath as you inhale. Then exhale that breath slowly to relieve the stress in your muscles and skeletal frame. Notice how your shoulders go down and become relaxed. Now rest in the peace of God, being multiplied to you as you give your requests to God, who will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
Yes, Peter was highly emotional. He had failures and successes just like you have had. Yet God used Peter mightily, and He will do the same for you. Seek Him, follow Him, obey Him. Tell Him your concerns. “May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” 1 Peter 1:2b.
Listen to Casting Crowns – Desert Road (Official Music Video)