A few weeks ago I posted a question at Bricker Breakers about when we first came to know Christ. Many Brothers, including myself, testified to accepting Jesus at one point, but truly coming to serve Him later in life.
That was always something I worried about. Was I not saved when I knew I was saved? Was there something else or more that I did or didn’t do? How could I be saved, yet continue to sin?
Then I began to pray about Peter. I like him and I think most of us do because he’s a lot like us. Peter was called by Jesus just as we were, but although he was called and followed, he still fell short of where we think we should be once we come to Christ
Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Matthew 4:19 New Living Translation (NLT)
He jumped out of the boat, but sank, he fell asleep while Jesus prayed in the garden, and although he swore he wouldn’t, Peter denied Christ 3 times before he fled from Him.
Peter still clung to many carnal practices such as pride and arrogance despite being in the presence of Christ.
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. Matthew 26:40
This isn’t a knock on Peter, and it’s not a knock on us, but there is a distinct difference between Peter’s life of following and his life of service.
The difference was being called versus being transformed. In many ways we are very similar to Peter. Holding onto a boastful spirit without humility, experiencing what it means to be broken and still redeemed, and finally growing bold in Christ through the Holy Spirit’s transformational power.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
It was once the Holy Spirit fell upon him, that Peter was spiritually transformed from a follower to a faithful believer and image bearer of God.
God featured Peter for a purpose. I feel like the purpose was because so many of us guys go through similar called / transformed experiences.
It’s no longer something I worry about or question, but it did resurface on those days so many of us were sharing our experiences. I knew the devil was whispering doubts in my ear, but thanks be to God, that He whispered the truth.
Much Love / Much Respect, Scott
Called Versus Transformed: Peter’s Life As A Modern Example Of Faith