The Rock - Monday 28 May

And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. Matthew 16:18 The Message

This week I am going to be featuring my favourite disciple Peter. Peter began life as Simeon Barjonas and legend suggests that he was a successful fisherman living in Capernaum on the shores of Lake Galilee with his wife, younger brother Andrew and mother in law. He was wealthy enough to have a decent house and a reputation as a steady reliable chap.

Then of course Jesus came into his life and his life changed utterly as he left his nets on the shore and followed Jesus. It seems likely that there were sons or apprentices ready to pick up those nets where they fell because Peter briefly returned later but it has to be said that Jesus must have had quite an effect on Peter and his brother Andrew.

Jesus had a pet name for Simon, Petros (Greek) or Cephas (Aramaic) which means rock or boulder. Eventually this name replaced the one he was given at birth. Names were important in that society at that time, they usually meant something. Jesus changing of Simon’s name meant that He saw a different potential person in Simon, a rock that He could build his church on. Simon meanwhile had a lot to learn about Jesus and what He really was.

Following Jesus means that we will inevitably give up some things and take up others. Take a look back or a look around in your life. Which things is God calling you to give up? Are there things you have already left on the shore or handed over to others? Are there others that you need to let go of now in order to really follow Jesus?

Then ask God to show you what He is calling you to. What is the new name He is giving you which shows what you are to be? If you are not sure then ask another Christian to pray into that with you. Or book a place on the next Network course.

Lord Jesus, let us see you as you are, and follow you as we can. Amen

Jesus said to them, "Come with me. I'll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I'll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass." They didn't ask questions, but simply dropped their nets and followed. Matthew 4:20 The Message