Pastor's Ponderings:
COME, FOLLOW ME SERMON SERIES
Over the course of the last several weeks we have explored Christian discipleship by looking at the life of Peter. Our journey began with overhearing Jesus’ invitation to Peter and others to “follow me”. This is not just any invitation, but a personal invitation to become part of a movement that will usher in god’s kingdom and transform the world. Such an invitation demands a personal response. As we walk the path of discovery and discipleship with Jesus, something about who He is evokes a response from those who would be his followers. The power and presence of Jesus is so powerful in the life of Peter that he boldly confesses Jesus as the Messiah, the son of the living God.
Almost as soon as the words have fallen from Jesus’ lips, it becomes clear that this life of discipleship may be more challenging than imagined. What begins as a promising journey takes a startling turn as Jesus reveals to Peter and the disciples that the Messiah must suffer, die, and be raised to new life. Contrary to their expectations of Him, Jesus explains that He has not come to establish an earthly messianic kingdom. Although Peter understands the words, he cannot reconcile his view of the conquering Messiah with the suffering and death Jesus spoke of. So Peter rebukes Jesus. We watch in utter amazement as the one who boldly confesses Jesus as God’s messiah, on three occasions denies that he has ever known Jesus! In his despair, he locks himself behind closed doors even as his messiah is crucified upon a cross.
But just when it seems as if the dream has faltered and the whole Jesus movement has come to a crashing halt, Peter and the other disciples have a life-transforming encounter with the Risen Lord that releases them from their brokenness and reconciles them anew to himself, a mission a ministry grater than they ever could have imagined.
When and how have you seen or experienced the ebbs and flows of Christian discipleship in your own life? What has kept you on the road of discipleship? What has enabled you to get back up and continue moving forward when you have faltered?
My short experience as your Pastor has shown me the heart that you have to do ministry in this community. You have done a lot. There is much left to do. I look forward to see where God leads you in 2019.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Pete
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Over the course of the last several weeks we have explored Christian discipleship by looking at the life of Peter. Our journey began with overhearing Jesus’ invitation to Peter and others to “follow me”. This is not just any invitation, but a personal invitation to become part of a movement that will usher in god’s kingdom and transform the world. Such an invitation demands a personal response. As we walk the path of discovery and discipleship with Jesus, something about who He is evokes a response from those who would be his followers. The power and presence of Jesus is so powerful in the life of Peter that he boldly confesses Jesus as the Messiah, the son of the living God.
Almost as soon as the words have fallen from Jesus’ lips, it becomes clear that this life of discipleship may be more challenging than imagined. What begins as a promising journey takes a startling turn as Jesus reveals to Peter and the disciples that the Messiah must suffer, die, and be raised to new life. Contrary to their expectations of Him, Jesus explains that He has not come to establish an earthly messianic kingdom. Although Peter understands the words, he cannot reconcile his view of the conquering Messiah with the suffering and death Jesus spoke of. So Peter rebukes Jesus. We watch in utter amazement as the one who boldly confesses Jesus as God’s messiah, on three occasions denies that he has ever known Jesus! In his despair, he locks himself behind closed doors even as his messiah is crucified upon a cross.
But just when it seems as if the dream has faltered and the whole Jesus movement has come to a crashing halt, Peter and the other disciples have a life-transforming encounter with the Risen Lord that releases them from their brokenness and reconciles them anew to himself, a mission a ministry grater than they ever could have imagined.
When and how have you seen or experienced the ebbs and flows of Christian discipleship in your own life? What has kept you on the road of discipleship? What has enabled you to get back up and continue moving forward when you have faltered?
My short experience as your Pastor has shown me the heart that you have to do ministry in this community. You have done a lot. There is much left to do. I look forward to see where God leads you in 2019.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Pete
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