Warriors Arise: October 20, 2020
John 21:20-21 (NKJV) Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”
Jesus didn't lose focus. He was intentional. This walk, at this moment, was strategically planned for Jesus to help Peter get back on track. If Peter were a train, he jumped off the track and crashed the morning of Jesus crucifixion. Peter has been overwhelmed with the amount of destruction to himself, adjusting how he used to see himself with what the wreck displayed. Jesus is walking him through the wreckage, getting rid of the damage and restoring Peter to his calling. Jesus has placed the train back on the tracks; but Peter hasn't committed to running on that track again.
Jesus has commanded Peter, "Follow Me" but he has not responded. Peter looks away, asked an off-the-wall question, and since Jesus didn't respond, he proceeded to ask another question. Jesus had probed far enough it was time for someone else to feel the heat of His presence. Whether Peter asked the question hoping Jesus would call John to join them or maybe he was trying to pass his calling off to John; he was ready to be out of the previous conversation with Jesus.
John 20:21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”
Just because Jesus didn't take the bait to answer the first question doesn't mean Peter is ready to go back to what he and Jesus were talking about. The way this question is phrased: "But Lord, what about this man?" Peter knew who it was so why did he call John "this man." Scripture tells us Peter looked back, but it doesn't tell us Jesus looked back. When Peter did not use John's name, it would have compelled Jesus to look. We don't know if he did. We know Jesus was staying in the moment. He needed Peter to return to their conversation. When God's presence invades our lives, whether it be during our Bible time or elsewhere, He wants us to remain present with Him. He wants our full attention until He knows we have received everything we need for what is to come. Jesus was staying in the moment. He was not getting distracted by Peter's questions.
Why did Peter use the word "but" to start the question? When someone uses the word "but" to begin their answer or start a question it is generally because they are objecting to what has been said. Seems like another stall tactic. Peter is not ready to respond to Jesus. Think about when you know God has asked you to do something and you begin your response with "but" or "what about" offering a different solution, or someone other than you, anyone other than you. I know I have given other suggestions to God about who else He might select to do what He wants done. It generally, doesn't change His mind. Moses tried to do the same thing with God at the burning bush. God didn't let him out of the task either.
There are times when I have hit bottom so hard I didn't want to get up. I didn't want God to clean me up. I didn't want God to call me to be a part of His plan to expand His kingdom here on earth. I can say now, I am glad He didn't listen to me. I have no idea where I would be now, but it wouldn't be pretty and my selfishness would have hurt a lot of people. But God is infinite in His wisdom, abounds in mercy and relentless in His love toward each one of us. He will not let me wallow in my self-pity when He created me to be an example of His faithfulness to His people.
Jesus was fully committed to this conversation with Peter and would not be distracted. This was the moment for Peter to be completely free from his past and restored to his God-given destiny. One had to end so the other could begin. The opportunity we all hope for, an end to the pain of sin, guilt, shame and inner pain in exchange for the beginning of living clean, fresh, strengthened and with purpose.
In the presence of God we have to focus, listen with our ears, heart and mind to everything He is speaking. Let His presence do a complete work in you. Be free to live clean, fresh, strengthened and with God's purpose.
Father, in Your presence I am undone. Everything within me is exposed and I am vulnerable. I need Your words to speak deep into me. I ask for You to come and minister to me, body, soul and spirit. I pray my mind is ready to focus on You and what You are saying. I pray I will not be distracted no matter how intense Your presence becomes. I pray I will keep my mind focused on You and the things You know need to be addressed, removed from my life, and restored to my life. I ask for the truth to saturate every part of me. There are going to be somethings I have believed as truth for so long that were never true. I covered them up with what I thought to be solid excuses but that is all they were, solid excuses. They were not the truth. They were lies I was willing to believe so I didn't have to deal with my own sin. I ask for You to come. I am ready to turn over every excuse I have believed. I am ready to get rid of the lies and walk in the truth. I pray for You to come and restore my body, soul and spirit. I pray I would totally focus on You. I will not think of others and what I think You need to do in their lives. I will not try to pass off what You have called me to do. I will not advise You. I will listen. I will let You work in me. I will do what You have called me to do in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy
My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus, riots, and lies. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.
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