On My Mind...

I’m grateful for the honesty of the Word of God.  One of the strongest proofs of Scripture being “God-breathed” is the way its heroes are portrayed.  Abraham, the “Father of the Faith,” was a flawed man who had his wife lie about their relationship to protect him from possible harm by foreign kings.  “Tell them you are my sister, lest they kill me in order to have you for their own.”  That happened more than once.  Jacob, of course, consitently lived up to his name.  Moses, though the friend of God, the man to whom God spoke face to face – righteous, yet flawed.  His temper kept him from the Land of Promise.  We could go on, but you get the picture.  I was reading this morning and found encouragement from old “foot-in-mouth,” Peter the apostle.  Peter, impetuous, fearless, well-meaning, was all over the map.  At one moment, sterling in his insight – “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” and then, “I tell you, I don’t know the man!”  At times as I read the Scripture I find myself saying, “If God can use Peter surely He can use me.”  In my daily reading, I’m in Mark’s Gospel.  A couple of things stand out over the last few days.  In Mark 9 and the Transfiguration, it was an overwhelming experience.  Mark tells us that Peter, James and John, “did not know what to say, for they were terrified.”  So of course, Peter spoke!  “Lord, it’s good that we were here.  Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”  The voice from heaven thundered, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”  Peter don’t speak, listen.  Later in the chapter the disiples were arguing about who among them was the greatest.  I have no doubt Peter was in the middle of that discussion.  In chapter 10 following the encounter with the Rich Young Man, our Lord said, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a neddle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”  The response was, “Who then can be saved?”  Our Lord responds, “With mere men it is impossible, but not with God.  For all things are possible with God.”  Peter says, “Well, what about us?  We’ve left everything to follow you.”  Really?  In the context of all that is going on – all you can do is think about yourself?  Peter, model of missing the point!

As I read this morning, my thought was, “Well, there is hope for you pastor, with your stupid blunders, inconsistent walk, and untimely comments.”  Why is it I get the feeling that my Lord is consistently saying, “I know Father, but he’s one of mine.”  I’m grateful He ever-lives to intercede on my behalf.  I’m grateful for great grace extended to this great sinner.

Don’t forget to “Spring forward” this weekend.  I look forward to gathering with you this coming Lord’s Day.  Have a blessed week, and I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod