Have you ever been distracted?
Simon Peter knows just the feeling.
There was that one time when of all the disciples that saw Jesus walk on the water, it was Peter who had the boldness to call out to get Jesus to prove Himself. It was Peter who took the invitation and took those tentative steps in the water.
Then he got distracted.
Now in his defence, there was a lot of distraction. It was stormy, the waves were hardly being compliant to this effort. It was a tough gig. The distraction was real. And he got distracted and had that sinking feeling.
Then there was that episode of what happened when he saw Jesus again after the resurrection, while he went out fishing. It was amazing enough to see Jesus do the same thing he did when he first called them to follow him. That massive collection of fish was unforgettable. It was even more amazing for Jesus to take him aside and restore him three times to the calling of looking out for the sheep. On top of that Jesus was even willing to let him know just how things would end for him.
Then he got distracted.
Now in his defence, it was that guy, John. That guy had been literally the closest to Jesus even taking over the family responsibilities on the cross. If things were going to be tough for Peter, what would happen to guy. There he was, hanging around. Rather than soberly taking on what was his assignment and his end result, Peter was wondering what would happen to that guy.
Peter had to take a quick verbal slap on the face to remind him to stay on the job. It doesn’t matter what happens to anyone else, Peter has to follow Jesus. Peter must stay focused. Peter cannot afford to get distracted.
This is what can lead to Peter later on in his last letter to the saints that has been preserved that it’s important for us to focus on what helps us to grow in the knowledge of Jessu.
Peter can make this encouragement from the place of knowing what it is to be distracted.
(Photo by Jens Lelie on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 