His is a fascinating story!

Listen to this podcast here:  https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/1d97d950/his-is-a-fasci...

Sometimes we just need to get over ourselves. 

Today we get a front row seat of one who understands he has been forgiven of much, who gets over himself, over his shame and gets back in the game.

The guys are looking at him, and then back and forth at each other . . . Andrew, Thaddaeus, Bartholomew … and one apostle says to the other, ‘What got into Peter?  I mean, of course we all love him, but this guy can’t act like he has it all together now!  Look at him, trying to take the limelight.  You heard what he did, I heard what he did …he said he didn’t even know the Lord! I mean, yeah, we ran away, but he lurked in the shadows and denied he even knew Jesus--three times, and Jesus knew! And now he stands up and tries to get everyone’s attention and preach …seriously?’

Step a little closer.  We remember that Peter had been part of Jesus’ inner circle, along with disciples James and John. He was headstrong, outspoken and impulsive but how he loved Jesus!  [a lot like me] So full of faith that when Jesus told him to come to him on the waters of the Galilee, Peter climbed out of the boat and walked on waves to get to the Lord.  And yet, when Jesus warned Peter that he would deny him to others, Peter was so shook up by Jesus’ arrest, that he did indeed deny his relationship with the One he adored—not once, but three times.

Let’s go back several days when from his place on the hillside, Peter watches Jesus ascend into Heaven¹, and wonders again what will become of him.  But this time Peter remains faithful and courageously obedient, convinced of the miraculous resurrected Lord Jesus.  As the 120 expectant folks gather together in the upper room in Jerusalem, Peter is among them. Waiting as Jesus instructed, they are suddenly impacted by the coming of the Holy Spirit.  They first hear, then see and feel the Spirit’s presence …and strangely, they begin to speak in unknown languages--unknown to them, but not to the Jewish pilgrims who are in Jerusalem to observe Pentecost. A crowd gathers beneath the window and hears the good works of God--nothing short of amazing!²

Some say the Jesus followers are drunk, but Peter won't have any part of that.  

Here's the account: “But Peter stood up with the eleven apostles and in a loud voice he spoke to the crowd: “My fellow Jews, and all of you who are in Jerusalem, listen to me. Pay attention to what I have to say. These people are not drunk, as you think; it is only nine o’clock in the morning!”  And then Peter goes on to preach such an inspired message, that 3000 people repent and turn to Christ.³ What happened to Peter?

How has Peter gone from Peter-the-Denier to Peter-the-Powerful Preacher, from denial to declaration?  And why is he not laughed out of town by his fellow apostles?  After all, they know all about his failure.  

The reason is that Peter intentionally did a few things really well after he blew it—things from which we can learn.  

1.  He humbly restored relationship with Jesus; he did not allow his moral failure to keep him separate from God.

2.  Peter stayed in community. He did not isolate or hide because of guilt or shame, fear or accusation, but knew it was God's way for him to be with his brothers, fellow Jesus followers.

3.  He was teachable and obedient to Jesus when told to wait in Jerusalem; Peter did not take off like a lone wolf.  

And so, as a result, Peter was in the upper room when the Holy Spirit came and filled the believers and well, being filled with the Holy Spirit radically changed him.  And because he now walked in the freedom of God’s love, Peter was used mightily to speak out and bring people to God.  Peter became a leader and a difference maker.

Peter's radical sermon, Acts 2.14-41: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202.14-41&ver...

Curious - do you want to be a difference maker?  Peter, forgiven, filled with the Holy Spirit and now steadfast, is our example.  

Maybe you too need to accept God’s forgiveness and walk in freedom...perhaps you need to let go of all of your baggage...bitterness, unforgiveness, worry, fear?

Maybe you need to surrender the weight you are carrying to the One who can carry it for you. We remember Jesus' heart on this: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.4

Or maybe, like Peter, you need to share the great love of Jesus with those you encounter, especially those who are hurting.  Just do it.  

Watch, listen: Live in London: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKb62NSbxDo

Be steadfast, Friend~

Christine

PastorWoman.net

1 – Acts 1.9-11

2 - Acts 2.1-13

3 – Acts 2.41

4 - Matthew 11.28