Cafe Chat - Week of November 8

Kim asked the following thought provoking question this week at Café Chat:
Some of my favorite “Saints” are Christ’s disciples/apostles, saying that, which of the 12 disciples/apostles do you relate to the most, and why?
I believe it’s best to trust one’s first impulse in things like this, and the disciple/apostle that rose in my thoughts and spirit was Peter.
Like Peter I am passionate about and devoted to Jesus. Like Peter I have declared who Jesus Is:
“But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 16:15-17
Like Peter I hunger to be close to Jesus and attempt to put feet to my faith:
“During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said.” Matthew 14:25-29
And like Peter, when I take my eyes off Jesus and look at what surrounds me I open myself up to fear and doubt:
“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"” Matthew 14:30-31
Like Peter I am human and flawed. I have vowed to never do or say anything that would hurt the cause of Christ:
“Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."” Matthew 26:33
And like Peter, I have failed to keep that promise. My heart has been pierced and convicted by the Holy Spirit as He revealed my sins. And I have wept as Peter did when he heard that rooster crow for the third time:
“Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.” Matthew 26:75
I rejoice with Peter that I serve a King like no other King, a God like no other god. Jesus is love and He forgives us again and again and again. I am always moved by the scene of Peter’s reconciliation and reinstatement on the seashore:
"When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"" Matthew 21:15-19

Peter had walked in the shame of knowing he had denied Christ, and yet Jesus forgave him, loved him still and Peter went on to serve and advance the Kingdom of God. My prayer is that as I submit all of my faults to my risen Lord, my life too may be used for His glory.

Join us at Café Chat this week to add your thoughts and read the responses of others.