A Living Hope

When Nicodemus came with questions in the night, Jesus said to him, unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (Jn. 3:3b NIV)

Nicodemus did not understand the idea of being born again. And he did not understand that spiritual life is a gift.

But in the Old Testament, God had revealed this truth through the prophet Ezekiel. God said He would remove sin and place a fresh, clean heart and spirit in people who turn to Him. (Ezekiel 36)

Receiving a new heart is equivalent to being born again. But Nicodemus either had not learned or did not understand Ezekiel’s prophecy. He did not know that God gives new hearts—and that they cannot be earned. New hearts come by grace through faith.

Peter called the transformation that occurs when a person receives a new heart a new birth into a living hope. (I Pet. 1:3a) When we receive Jesus, He brings His life. We are born again. We experience a new birth. And we walk in a living hope because He lives within us.

Originally published July 29, 1983.

Suffer Persecution?

We usually associate persecution with physical abuse or imprisonment—perhaps by an oppressive government. But persecution covers a wider range of activities. A dictionary definition of persecution includes harassment and to trouble or annoy constantly.

Developing the inner strength to stand when under persecution—even subtle varieties—is an important part of the maturing process. Peter had personal experience with persecution when he wrote to encourage young Christians. He said, always be ready to give a defense . . . for the hope that is in you . . . For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (I Pet. 3:15b,17b NKJV)

A thought to consider: If we do not hold our own against subtle persecution, would we hold our own against severe physical abuse or some other type of rejection?

Originally published December 29, 1989.
Picture: Fall foilage, West Fargo, 2008. Photo by Solveig.

The Eroded Areas

Frances Fenelon, a Frenchman who lived during the Reformation, compared Christian leaders to plateaus with gullies. Their spiritual life was inspirational—but they all had large eroded areas of sin they could not hide. He concluded this must be God’s plan—because if we saw others as perfect, we might admire them or become dependent on them. Then we would lose sight of God. Instead, when we see others as imperfect people, our hearts turn toward God.

Sinful human nature is painfully obvious whenever we look at people, even when we look at Biblical character in either the Old and New Testament. If we study their lives, we see they were not perfect. Regarding himself and others, Paul said, So then let no one boast in men . . . whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas. . . . (I Cor. 3:21a,22a ASB)

Paul referred to the wonder of God’s reality in sinful people when he wrote, But this precious treasure—this light and power that now shine within us—is held in a perishable container that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own. (IICor. 4:7 LB)

People are sinners with eroded areas. Only God is worthy of our complete admiration.

Originally published January 29, 1982.

The Precious Blood

We do not generally think of silver or gold as perishable, but Peter said, it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed . . . but with the precious blood of Christ . . . . (I Pet. 1:18a,19a NIV)

Think about the value of silver and gold. Vessels or eating utensils made of sterling silver are often heirlooms, passed from one generation to another. As are gold wedding rings, watches, and other gold objects. In fact, the enduring qualities of silver and gold are such that they can be fashioned and refashioned over and over to suit our purposes.

Nevertheless, earthly treasures are only as stable as our temporary material world. Although the value of silver and gold is considered great, they have no value when confronted by the eternal or spiritual realm.

The precious blood of Jesus remains priceless in any realm. In this life, it brings “new birth into a living hope. . . .” (v. 3b) In the eternal realm, Jesus’ blood provides an “inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. . . . (v. 4a) His blood is precious indeed.

Originally published February 25, 1983.
Picture: Commercial landscape, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Civil Disobedience?

Groups of people were killed in Europe during World War II and few rose to defend or rescue them. Doing so would have been dangerous, because that would mean disobeying evil laws established by an evil government. After the war, some defended their lack of Christian love by claiming the Bible teaches people to support their government.

The Bible does teach that people are to support their government. But would it surprise you to know the Bible also directs people to participate in civil disobedience at times? When Peter and John were imprisoned, God sent an angel to open to the prison doors and lead them outside. Then the angel said, Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people the words of this life. (Acts 5:18-20 NKJV)

The disciples obeyed the angel. The enraged authorities asked, Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name [of Jesus] And look you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine. . . .

Peter and the other apostles answered with a truth we cannot forget: We ought to obey God rather than men. God’s Word instructs us to obey leadership when it provides protection and order. When that is lost, our duty is to obey God—and to change the law if possible.

Originally published August 30, 1991.

The Miraculous and the Mundane

Peter had more than one brush with a prison break. At one point he lay bound between two guards because Herod planned to kill him. Then an angel visited him in the night. The angel came with light and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands (Acts. 12:7b NKJV)

Peter and the angel passed through two guard posts and doors opened without a visible source of power. Soldiers slept through it all, and he was miraculously restored to the church that had been praying for his release.

But in spite of the surreal scene, God did not let Peter lose touch with mundane reality. The only additional recorded words of the angel: Gird yourself and tie on your sandals . . . Put on your garment and follow me. (v. 8)

The power of God released chains, opened doors, and kept soldiers asleep. Surely God could help the fellow get dressed when overwhelmed by so much excitement. But no, Peter was told to dress himself. He could not lose his connection to everyday life.

Originally published January 9, 1987.

No Partiality

Leaving prejudice behind is never easy; it’s part of our human nature to desire superiority over others. Rich are prejudiced against poor and poor against rich, educated are prejudiced against uneducated and uneducated against educated, men are prejudiced against women and women against men, ethnic groups are prejudiced against different ethnic groups, etc.

The Apostle Peter was prejudiced, too, and he couldn’t change his mind on his own. He needed a revelation from God to do the work for him. When on the roof of Simon the Tanner in Joppa, he experienced a trance. He saw a sheet come down from heaven not once but three times. Each time the sheet was filled with creatures that he, a Jew who observed dietary laws, could not eat. Then he heard a voice say, Rise, Peter; kill and eat. (Acts 10:13b NKJV)

Almost immediately—while he pondered the meaning of the trance—men sent by a Gentile named Cornelius who was a Roman centurion came to the door asking for him. They told their story and said God had revealed he should preach to them.

But the Gentiles were not Jews. They were of a different ethnic group and a different religion. In that moment God gave Peter opportunity to receive and obey the revelation he received as well as the revelation the Gentiles received. And he rose to the occasion. In truth, he replied, I perceive that God shows no partiality. (v. 34)

Peter recognized that the kingdom of God through Jesus belongs to all people.

Originally published April 14, 1989.
Picture: Tulips, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Surprised by the Message

God knows how to make life interesting by surprising His followers. Peter had no desire to minister to Gentiles. After receiving the Holy Spirit, he traveled around Palestine where he shared the gospel of Jesus with fellow Jews. In Lydda, he healed Aeneas who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. (Acts 9:33b NKJV) In Joppa, he raised Dorcas from the dead and presented her alive to the saints and widows. (9:41b)

When he was in Joppa, however, life changed. While staying with Simon the tanner and waiting for dinner one evening, he went up on the housetop to pray and fell into a trance. (10:9a,10a)

God spoke to Peter in the trance, and the message was couched in food. But its significance extended beyond food into every aspect of life: What God has cleansed you must not call common. (10:15b)

Peter had always lived an observant Jewish lifestyle. He resisted the message because it offended practices he'd learned as a child and lived as an adult. But when Gentiles came seeking his help, he capitulated: "God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean." (10:28b)

Only God can bring about deep, abiding change in people. Peter's worldview was forever altered; he had to leave his former mindset behind.

Originally published June 12, 1992.

"Give Me this Power"

Philip the Evangelist went to Samaria to tell the people about Jesus the Christ. When the people responded to his message, many were healed from their afflictions and set free from demonic spirits.

A fellow living in Samaria named Simon the Sorcerer also believed key facts about Jesus. He submitted to baptism and then followed right alongside Philip, amazed when he saw the many miracles and signs. (Acts 8:13) But although actively involved in God’s work, Simon’s heart remained impure. He still loved the power he had exercised as a sorcerer, and now he wanted to exercise power under Jesus.

It all came to a head when Peter came to help Philip. After Simon the Sorcerer saw Peter laying hands on individuals so they might receive the Holy Spirit, Simon tried to get in on the action by offering money. He said to Peter, "Give me this power also. . . ." (v. 19 NKJV)

And at that point Peter received a revelation of Simon’s motives. "Your money perish with you. . . ." he said. (v. 20a) And, "your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent. . . ." (v. 21b)

We do not know what happened to Simon the Sorcerer, but he did ask for prayer "that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me." (v. 24b)

Originally published May 6, 1988.
Picture: Lilacs long the Red River of the North, Wahpeton/Breckenridge, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

God's Instruments

Miracles originate with God, but He often uses people as His instruments to bring miracles about.

When Peter and John were just beginning to deal with their new life after all that had happened through Jesus—after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension—after they received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost—they saw a lame beggar sitting by the gate of the temple. Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. (Acts 3:6 NKJV)

We don’t know if Peter stood there for awhile, waiting to see if the man would get up on his own. We do know Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (v. 7)

The lame man received healing as he stood with Peter’s assistance. Peter was God’s instrument both when he spoke the Word of faith and when he helped the man respond to that Word.

The result was a miracle. So he [the man who had been crippled], leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. (v. 8)

God is sovereign, and He uses people.

Originally published October 3, 1986.

"Why Can't I Follow?"

Before Jesus’ death, Peter didn’t understand what would happen or how he would respond in a time of crisis. During his Last Supper with Jesus, Peter asked, Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you. (Jn. 13:37 NKV)

How typical of the normal human response. We want to serve God immediately—according to our will, according to our desires, according to our unrealistic understanding. But impetuous desire is usually inconsistent with a person’s spiritual reality. Although Peter wanted to be a dedicated follower of Christ, he was immature. Although he loved Jesus, he was not ready to live sacrificially.

Jesus understood Peter and He understands us. Because He loves us, He allows circumstances to expose our nature as He allowed circumstances to expose Peter’s nature. Will you really lay down your life for me? Jesus asked. (v. 28a) Then he foretold Peter’s imminent denials.

A heart-rending series of events along with a revelation followed. But through it Peter learned to emphasize God instead of his personal human response—God instead of himself.

Originally published October 11, 1985.
Picture: Apple blossoms, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Focus on the Heart

Jesus said, If any one chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” (Jn. 7:17 NIV)

Some people quickly identify Jesus as the source of salvation. Peter boldly confessed, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Mt. 16:16) But there are others who have difficulty accepting Jesus as God’s ultimate revelation.

Jesus understands the human dilemma. While we might try to convince someone of truth, Jesus does not answer on an intellectual basis. Jesus’ method for changing an opinion is to bring about spiritual insight. He asks people to consider if they desire to do God’s will. The heart—not the mind--either leads a person toward or away from truth.

The focus must be on the heart. Our thought processes will rationalize whatever the heart wants to believe.

Originally published March 11, 1983.
Picture: Flowers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.

An Effective Pair

That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord . . . he sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat. (Jn. 21:7b,8a RSV)

People respond differently to the presence of Jesus. On this occasion, Peter did not recognize Him—not even His message. He could have continued working and missed the Lord’s invitation to a special breakfast.

John did identify the Savior. He was in tune to the voice of Jesus and understood His words. How disappointing that he fell short in response and was content to follow by boat.

Each of the men was incomplete. But each acknowledged their inadequacy and drew from the other’s strength. Together—with John’s discernment and Peter’s action—they made an effective pair.

Originally published August 14, 1981.

Fish for Breakfast

“I’m going out to fish,” a weary Peter told his friends. (Jn. 21:3 NIV) Several eventually joined him and they spent a long night in a boat without catching anything. Then, Early in the morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize it was Jesus. (v. 4)

People often fail to recognize God when they are discouraged, so we should not be surprised that the disciples failed to identify Jesus after His death and resurrection. It wasn’t until He filled their nets with fish—met a pressing need—that John identified Him. (v. 7)

But Jesus did not stop with a revelation—even a glorious one. And He did not stop after giving them the miracle of overflowing nets. He also invited them into His presence—invited them to join Him. Jesus said, “Come and have breakfast.” (v. 12b)

If we are overwhelmed by problems, we can remember He is with us. We can also ask Him to give us a revelation and meet our needs. We can even ask Him to bless us with His Presence.

Originally published June 1, 1984.
Picture: Persian Gulf from the shore of the United Arab Emirates, 2007. Photo by Marta.

"Up to Seven Times?"

Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive someone who sinned against him: Up to seven times? (Mt. 18:21 NKJV)

Jesus might have smiled inside when He increased the number to seventy times seven. That’s four hundred and ninety times. Because Jewish law required all accounts be settled at the end of each day, the requirement for a faithful observer (based on an average of seven hours of sleep each night or seventeen waking hours each day) would be to forgive someone more often than every two minutes!

Then Jesus told a parable about a servant who refused to forgive others, even though his master freely forgave him: The master declared, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt . . . Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant. . . ?’ And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. (vs. 32-34)

We can never pay to cover what we owe for our transgressions or Sin. But God offers to freely forgive if only we forgive those who sin against us—again and again and again.

Originally published June 26, 1992.

Paying the Temple Tax

The issue of paying the temple tax was a problem. Collectors wanted Jesus to pay but they didn’t dare approach Him—they knew He couldn’t be snared by legalism. Instead, they asked Peter who replied off the top of his head, “Yes, he does.” (Mt. 17:25 NIV)

Poor Peter. He answered without looking into the matter and committed a diplomatic faux pas. For as the Son of God and as Lord of the Temple, Jesus did not pay the tax.

Jesus came to the rescue for His friend by providing the money in a unique manner: Saying He didn’t want to offend them, Jesus directed Peter, the former fisherman, to fish with a line, unusual for a man accustomed to nets, and to look into the mouth of the first fish he caught. There he would find a coin. “Take it and give it to them,” Jesus said, “for my tax and yours.” (Mt. 17 27b NIV) It was a private miracle between two friends.

Originally published October 2, 1981.
Picture: Quilt by Patty. Photo by Solveig.

A Good Testimony

Testimonies can lead people to God.

John the Baptist had a good testimony because his message or testimony directed people toward Jesus. Two disciples received his testimony when he identified Jesus who was nearby at the time. He said,“Behold the Lamb of God!” (Jn. 1:36 NKJV)

The disciples didn’t fully understand John’s statement, but they knew it was important. After hearing John they accepted the invitation of Jesus. They came and saw where he [Jesus] was staying and remained with Him that day. . . . (v. 39 NKJV)

One of the two who heard John speak and who followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. Because Andrew knew the value of a good testimony, he looked for Simon so he could tell him,"We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” (v. 41b,42a)

The event was a life-transforming experience for both brothers. It began with a testimony.

Originally published January 5, 1990.
Picture: Bee in cactus flower, Arizona, 2008. Photo by Patty