The Story of God – Teachable
Ever stuck your foot in your mouth?
Ever been absolutely confident of something? So confident you were willing to voice your confidence loudly and strongly — only to find out that you were wrong?
Ever have to face those people to whom you spoke so confidently and errantly?
I’ve done it so many times that coming up with an example is almost laughable. It happens all the time with my wife, Leslie. The less vulnerable stories revolve around my confidence of an actors name in a movie or television show and her correction of me. I am confident. She is confident that I am wrong. She is ALWAYS right. Seriously. I should quit trying, but my pride always convinces me that this one time I am right. There are examples that are more embarassing, but you get the picture.
We are not alone. The story that God tells through Scripture is filled with people who have been humbled. This week we’ll take a look at Peter. His stories of eating “Humble Pie” are long and numerous, but as I imagine myself walking in his shoes, I feel my pride welling up inside me. Peter walked with Jesus. Peter walked with Jesus on the water. Peter was there when Jesus appeared on a mountainside with Moses and Elijah. Peter saw the crucifixion and was an eyewitness to the resurrection. Peter preached the first sermon after the resurrection that led thousands of people to reconsider their opinion of Jesus and be baptized as an act of obedience in following Him. Peter is “The Man”.
This week, we’ll take a look at how often Peter was wrong – and in key teachings that would eventually effect the world. You see…Peter was a first century “bigot” of sorts, because He believed that Jesus was only for the Hebrew people. Maybe “bigot” is a harsh term because he did not dislike people of other cultures, he simply thought that he was better than they were. The truth does not hit him all at once, but as he walks this journey of following Jesus. Read Acts 10 & 11. For extra credit read Galatians 2:11-21.
Is it possible that there are areas in our life in which we need to allow God, through Scripture, to speak to us with a fresh voice?
Perhaps there are some areas in which God has already changed some of your preconcieved notions about HIm? Would you be willing to share the journey that you have walked on this blog?
Encourage us…remember, it’s called growth and you are placing yourself alongside a list of people like Peter, Paul, Moses, and Elijah — not bad company.