Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?” And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.” “But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.” Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me. [John 13.36-38]
Words are so cheap. And yet, we use them every day. Peter found this out the hard way.
Is it even possible for us to say what we'll do, then actually do what we say?
Is it?
If we do, be assured, it won't be because society pressures us into it!
First off, a person must be very selective in what they say they will do! Usually what a person says they will do should be based on patterns in their lives that would indicate they have at least some history in doing what they say. Generally speaking, it starts with small things.
Peter found out quickly that he was ill-prepared to die for Jesus. He, like the others, would flee when Jesus was arrested. But, thank God, that was not the end of Peter's story! He had some learning to do, but, as history records it, he seemed to have learned well. In fact, although it was delayed, Peter did in fact do what he said and died for Jesus.
So, how do we prepare ourselves to do what we say? It has to start somewhere. Usually, this is best accomplished like an athlete prepares for his sport. He starts simple and works up to the complex. But, he has to push himself all the way.
How then, would a person prepare to die for Jesus? It starts with a cross as the goal every day. Again, it begins however with the little things...
I had a loved one tell me yesterday, "I think you are taking this too far..." in reference to my decidedly avoiding medicine (manufactured or "natural") in the current sickness I am battling. Let me just say this: if I can't deal with a cold "in faith" without fearing the worst, how will I ever face the death of a cross? I mean, let's just get real, shall we?
It has taken some time for me to develop any sense of commitment to allowing the wonderful creation of my body to do what my Amazing Creator actually designed it to do: fight off sickness and recover. I often wonder, "how far can I actually take this?" though. At least at this point, the thought of death is growing less and less a deterrent to trusting God and everything about that seems right and encourages me.
"Taking up one's cross," was a topic Jesus was not silent on. If we can see it, these words are the formula necessary to carry out the words, "I will die for you." Remember, saying what we will do is not enough (as Peter sadly found out). It is in doing what we say that we make any "progress."
When death and faith are involved, life is certain to have some excitement! Will there be failures? Peter's story says, "Yes!" However, Peter's story also says that a failure is not the end!
God has given us faith to please Him. Let us use that faith to say what we will do, then proceed to do what we have said. Keeping the cross as our daily goal, we cannot veer too far off the path. Somehow we must understand that Jesus never commanded us to live, but instead only commanded us to die (so that we might live). Saying what we will do in order that we might do what we say starts with understanding that goal.
Note: none of this will make sense to the world and its way of thinking ...ever. So, don't ever expect the world to approve, let alone, applaud a decision to die for Jesus.
Father, I know these thoughts are random, but I needed to get them out there. I have no reservation about attempting to please You with faith alone. I have no reservation about developing a carelessness about and towards death. You know the fears that pummel me every day - may I be found open-armed towards them as I take up Your shield of faith manifested by my arms spread wide nailed to my own cross. Mmm.
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