I really enjoy working with my hands. Typically, when something breaks or needs repaired around the house, I will take a stab at it. My poor wife, God bless her, has learned that we WILL NOT be calling a professional until I have reached my whit's end and finally admitted defeat...which doesn't happen often.
In my defense, over the years, I have successfully taught myself to do a good many things. There are plenty of completed projects that I am actually pretty proud of, and a few extra dollars in our pocket for my efforts. Not every story is one of success though; and, honestly, the ones that did end well still had plenty of bumps along the way.
The truth is, I approach most areas of my life the same way I approach projects around the house...with the intention and desire to fix things. If Traci or one of my kids come to me with a problem or concern, I'm quick to offer a few possible solutions and slow to listen. When I face struggles and adversity in life, I immediately begin working on a plan to straighten things out, and taking time to pray or seek after God's wisdom and guidance in scripture is hardly even an afterthought.
I don't know about you, but during this week's message from Matthew, I was able to sympathize with poor Peter. Just like him, I have seemingly good intentions when I spring into action. Just like Peter though, when I am the first to act, I place myself in a position that I am not equipped to handle. Also, like Peter, in a moment of clarity I would never dare to suppose to correct or instruct God. Yet, time after time, by my actions, that is functionally exactly what I do...and I would be willing to wager Peter and I aren't the only ones in that camp.
As finite beings, mere specks in a seemingly infinite cosmos, existing within what seems like a millisecond in the seemingly even more infinite expanse of time, we can easily feel swallowed up and lost among it all. When everything feels so out of control from our limited perspective, we fight to wrestle order out of the chaos. It's in these times that we most need to stop fighting for control and trust in the sovereign King and eternally infinite Creator of the universe.
See, Peter had been following Jesus, living with Jesus, learning from Jesus. He had witnessed Jesus bringing an unruly world into subjugation by his power and through his miracles. In Jesus, Peter had rightly found the order he longed for as an image bearer of God, created and designed to live in peace with and obedience to his Creator. So, when it seemed to Peter that the chaos was taking over again, he sprung back into action.
Peter's problem, and likewise ours as well, is that we view the world from the wrong perspective. We can choose to see the world as sinful, ugly, broken, and out of control...OR...we can choose to see the world for what it is, broken yes, but being redeemed and remade by the careful, capable, and very much in control, hand of God. You see, when we recognize that God has a plan and a purpose in everything that happens, from the seemingly mundane to the undeniably monumental, we build a foundation that can withstand the weight of life and all that it throws at us.
Our default reaction is to try to drive the car. At best we want to keep God in the trunk as a spare tire for when we break down, or in the glove box like insurance for when/if we lose control and crash. The reality is though, no matter how much we try to fool ourselves into believing we are driving the car...we are always in the passenger seat. We can accept that, and experience all of the life-changing benefits of traveling through life with a far more capable driver behind the wheel, so that we reach our destination safely and right on time. Or, we can continue the futile battle to try to take the wheel from someone who is far bigger and stronger than we will ever be, and end up frustrated, tired, and lost.
Over the years, I've had some projects go bad...really bad. They didn't turn out the way I wanted. I've even had to swallow my pride and call for help more times than I care to admit. In the end though, I was able to learn a lot and grow in my understanding and abilities by watching and studying how the capable professional masterfully completed the job. Now, when I face those obstacles, I know my limitations. I know how far my abilities can take me, and when I need to rely on the pros. Peter ultimately learned that lesson too.
His efforts to take control ultimately left him in a place he never thought he could go. He was completely broken, weeping, and full of guilt and regret. But Jesus, being rich in mercy and grace didn't leave him in that place. The consummate "professional," Jesus masterfully redeemed and restored Peter's failure. By showing him the truth, he gave Peter the skills he needed to recognize his own limitations...which in turn enabled him to complete the project laid before him.
In Grace,
Chris Morris
If you missed this week's sermon (or just want to listen again), follow the link below to listen. Or subscribe to our podcast in iTunes.
Part 90 - I Will Strike The Shepherd
Questions discussed in this sermon:
1. Why does Jesus quote a passage from the Old Testament?
2. Why is Peter convinced he will not fall away?
3. How is Peter restored?
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