John 20:3-6 Useful As You Are

John 20:3-6  “So Peter and the other disciple went forth, and they were going to the tomb.  The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first; and stooping and looking in, he *saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in.  And so Simon Peter also *came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he *saw the linen wrappings lying there”, (NASB)

I’ve told you before that I identify with Peter most often of the direct disciples of Christ.  Today’s passage will begin to give insight as to why.

The scene today follows the crucifixion.  The followers of Christ were gathered and mourning the loss of their beloved teacher and friend.  Although several had confessed that He was the Messiah, they always managed to forget stuff like that when it was most needed.  So they gathered and mourned and didn’t really know what to do.  Several of the women went to the grave early Sunday morning and when they found the stone rolled away they ran back to tell the disciples.

John and Peter took off running to the tomb.  It isn’t clear from Scripture how far away they were gathered.  Scripture does tell us that the two ran there however.  Now I picture Peter as a strong and loud fisherman; a guy that was let’s just say, rough around the edges.  Big guys aren't usually the quickest fellows even if they are in shape.  John, was perhaps the more athletic of the two as Scripture records that John out ran Peter.  “The other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first”.

John also had a little more self control.  Although John got there first he stopped and took in the situation.  He records that although he arrived ahead of Peter that he stopped at the entrance.  He was, “stooping and looking in” and in doing so, “he *saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in”.  Having seen and observed all this before Peter’s arrival he was clearly a good ways ahead.

Now here’s where I identify with Peter.  When Peter finally catches up to John at the tomb he doesn’t just saunter up beside John with hands on his knees to catch his breath.  No, he just blasts right past John into the tomb to take a better look.  I'm sure, once inside, hands on his hips huffing an puffing he took it all in.  That’s Peter.

Why share this with you.  Several reasons come to mind.  First, it is important to me and I hope to you to see that even among two of Christ’s inner circle there was great diversity.  John was more measured in his approach and Peter was way out there sometimes.  Remember, Jesus had to rebuke him a time or two.  This is important to know because when it comes to serving Jesus he’s not looking for cookie cutter servants.  He wants us to serve Him as we are while growing up into Christ likeness.

Second, it helps me knowing that Christ used a guy like Peter in such a powerful way.  Peter just days earlier had denied Christ not once but three times just as Jesus had said he would.  When he did and realized what had happened Peter broke down and wept bitterly at the reality of his weakness.  But God had big plans for Peter, weak and impetuous as he was.  Peter is widely recognized as the leader of the early Church.  It gives me great hope that I can be useful to the Lord when I see a guy like Peter used in such a powerful way.  Again, Christ wants you to serve Him just as you are now while you are still in growth mode. 

Why?  Because our spiritual growth never ends during this life time.  If we wait for perfect maturity to begin serving no one will be serving at all.  Take a deep breath, look at some of the wacky things Peter did and then look at some of the great things the Lord did through him.  If he can use Peter, he can use you and he can use me.  AMEN!

1 Peter 1:1-2 Chosen by Grace

1Peter 1:1-2  “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.” (NASB)

Peter is frankly my favorite apostle.  Why?  I simply identify with him more than the others because he reminds me of me.  In future discussions I’ll share insight of why but for today I want to take a look at the opening of one of his letters.  Peter was considered the leader of the early church.  He was also one of the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples along with James and John.  As such he is also considered an apostle of Jesus Christ.  In this context an apostle means he was an eye witness and directly commissioned to ministry by Jesus Himself.

I think it is interesting to note that in looking through the letters of the New Testament rich chewy truth is available in the opening few verses universally.  Peter’s first letter is no different so I’d like to take a look at the first two verses here.

Peter identifies himself first as an apostle and since I’ve already explained what that means I won’t do it again.  He mentions this however to let those who are reading know (in case they don’t) just who it is that is writing to them.  Next Peter identifies his audience.  This letter is written to those Christians who first “Reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia”.  Why aliens?  I think this is twofold.  First, because they are literally aliens.  They are primarily Jewish Christians who were displaced or dispersed out of Palestine.  Living in a foreign land they are aliens.  I believe however the term alien also applies to them as Christians among non-Christians.  That would be among unbelieving Jews and native Pagans.  Later in this letter Peter refers to Christians as “Aliens and strangers” as he urges them not to conform to their surroundings1 Peter 2:11.  The geographical areas referenced are located in modern day Turkey and Greece.

Okay – now it gets interesting. 

These Christians, scattered into this foreign land, “Are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father”.  In Christian circles the term “Election” is tossed around.  It means that God chooses.  This Scripture confirms that Peter is writing to those, “Who are chosen” and let’s us know who did the choosing.  “God the Father” did the choosing.  It goes even further however and says His choosing was, “According to” His “Foreknowledge”.  Elsewhere we learn that God’s choosing was done from eternity past.  How is that possible?  Well, “With God all things are possible” Matthew 19:26 and God quite frankly isn’t bound by the constraints of time; He created it!  He can look at the act of creation, Jesus time on this earth, our brief lives and Christ’s return right now; all at once, as though it were a thing to be examined.

Can I hear a WOW!

How were we Chosen?  Well, it is by the “Foreknowledge of God the Father” but it is “By the sanctifying work of the Spirit”.  We discussed before that sanctification is the setting apart for a special purpose.  When the Spirit does his work of sanctification of the believer it means He sets us apart for something special.  Peter doesn’t disappoint us because he shares what that something special is.  He says we were set apart by the Spirit, “To obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood”.  That simply means that we were set apart to have obedience of faith in Christ.  It is that obedience of faith that saves us.  “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus”. Galatians 3:26

Peter reminds us also of what this faith in Christ brings.  He reminds us that the obedience of faith is, “To obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood”.  The sprinkling of blood is a reference to the atonement sacrifice established in the Law.  Animal blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat on the arc of the covenant  in a ritual that, “Covered” the sins of the people.  That sacrifice of animals in atoning for sin had to be repeated over and over to satisfy God's wrath.  The blood of Jesus however, following the premise of the animal sacrifice is much more effective.  “His blood”, shed for our sins satisfies God’s wrath once and for all .  When the believer is, “Sprinkled with His blood” by faith in Him all our sins are forgiven forever.

When the reality of the efficacy of “His blood” is realized Peter’s statement becomes possible.  “May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure”.  AMEN!