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- Oct 26, 2007
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Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16 ESV
Halfway through the Gospel of Matthew, you start seeing Peter talking to Jesus in front of the other disciples. The first time around, Peter jumps out of the boat only to look at the waves and start sinking (14:28-31). The second time, he asks a good question (15:15).
The fourth time, Peter rebukes Jesus, only to get rebuked right back (16:22-23). The fifth time, he tries to delay the departure of Moses and Elijah (17:4). The sixth time, Peter and Jesus talk about paying taxes (17:24-27). The seventh time, he asks another good question (18:21). The final time, Peter denies the possibility that he would deny Jesus (26:33-35).
Mixed results, to say the least.
Yet the third time, Peter throws a beautiful spiral forty yards for a touchdown—thanks to his heartfelt obedience to the Holy Spirit’s illumination (16:16).
Like Peter, your results are mixed. You don’t always say the right thing the right way at the right time. Sometimes, you say the wrong thing in the worst possible way at the worst possible time.
Like Peter, don’t shut up. Instead, strive for heartfelt obedience when the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart and mind.
Prayer: Lord, transform me. Sometimes I do need to keep my thoughts to myself. Sometimes I need to listen and wait. Sometimes I need to speak boldly about You. Each time, guide me, I pray.
Halfway through the Gospel of Matthew, you start seeing Peter talking to Jesus in front of the other disciples. The first time around, Peter jumps out of the boat only to look at the waves and start sinking (14:28-31). The second time, he asks a good question (15:15).
The fourth time, Peter rebukes Jesus, only to get rebuked right back (16:22-23). The fifth time, he tries to delay the departure of Moses and Elijah (17:4). The sixth time, Peter and Jesus talk about paying taxes (17:24-27). The seventh time, he asks another good question (18:21). The final time, Peter denies the possibility that he would deny Jesus (26:33-35).
Mixed results, to say the least.
Yet the third time, Peter throws a beautiful spiral forty yards for a touchdown—thanks to his heartfelt obedience to the Holy Spirit’s illumination (16:16).
Like Peter, your results are mixed. You don’t always say the right thing the right way at the right time. Sometimes, you say the wrong thing in the worst possible way at the worst possible time.
Like Peter, don’t shut up. Instead, strive for heartfelt obedience when the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart and mind.
Prayer: Lord, transform me. Sometimes I do need to keep my thoughts to myself. Sometimes I need to listen and wait. Sometimes I need to speak boldly about You. Each time, guide me, I pray.
