Happy New Year.
In the New Testament book, the Gospel of John, Jesus is talking with Simon Peter. The conversation takes place after the Lord’s resurrection. Jesus tells Peter the manner of his death that will bring glory to God—a crucifixion. After telling Peter this, he says to the disciple, now Apostle, “follow me.”
Think about this.
By this time, Jesus is nearing his ascent into heaven. He has been with his Apostles nearly 50-days. The excitement of his resurrection has given way to the reality of the task ahead—to proclaim the news of Messiah’s redemption. Imagine the emotions his follower’s are experiencing. The wondered amazement that Jesus was raised from the dead—a brutal death witnessed by each of them.
He is now talking with them, both individually as well as corporately, about things to come. Do you think the disciples would be emboldened to stand up for the cause of Christ? Do you imagine them being ready to take on the entire Roman empire? No one can convince them that Jesus is dead. No one can stop them from telling their story; they were there, they witnessed everything. They not only saw him alive, they spoke with him, ate with him, and listened to the things he told them after his resurrection.
In the midst of all this excitement, Jesus informs Peter of how he will die. He tells him that the manner of his death will bring glory to God; and he follows that up with the words, follow me. Can you imagine how Peter was feeling? In the midst of all the excitement, the resurrected Christ pulls Peter aside and says, “Oh by the way, you are going to be crucified, and your death will glorify God. So, follow me Peter.” (Evans paraphrase)
What would you do? Would you feel as though you were being picked on? Would it suck the wind out of your sails? It appears that Peter wrestled with thoughts like these, because the Apostle John walks by, prompting Peter to blurt out, “And what about this guy. What will happen to him?” (Evans paraphrase)
Jesus’ response was straight to the point; “Whether he lives or dies, is no concern of yours; you follow me.” (Evans paraphrase)
Put yourself in Peter’s shoes; would you follow him? Would you be able to speak to your emotional you and say shut up, I am not listening to you? This is what confronted Peter that day. The only difference between Peter and you or me, is the fact that his eyes were looking into Jesus’ eyes. Apart from physically being in the presence of the resurrected Lord, you and I must answer the same questions. The emotions they Petered experienced that day, are not unlike the emotions you and I experience in this unexpected journey to a close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
There are so many directions this one aspect of Peter’s story can take us; I suppose the question is are you willing to follow me as they are explored? It is an excitingly scary journey.
Consider the importance of these two words, follow me. To begin with, Peter has to be close enough to Jesus to hear him utter them. This is what a close personal relationship with the godhead is all about; it is the ability to hear his voice speaking to you. Peter did not wonder who Jesus was talking too. The two of them were having a very intimate conversation. Such a conversation does not take place without a closeness between Peter and Jesus.
Are you close enough to Jesus to hear him speak to you? If you are, then are you willing to listen to what he has to say to you? If you answer yes, is there something in the natural part of you that recoils to what you are hearing? If your answer is yes, then consider yourself in good company. This is what is happening with Peter at this moment in his life.
If, however, your answer is no, then know that a close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit awaits you. This year, 2020 will be an incredible year of frightening discovery for you. You have the experience of the Apostle Peter—as well as others in the New Testament books of the Bible—to draw from. You have the support of those—like myself—who are presently on the same journey. Perhaps we are far enough down the path that we can be of service in helping you begin this unexpected journey.