Warriors Arise: October 17, 2020
John 21:18-19 (NKJV) Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
Not me, I would not want to know when or how I am going to die. My question in reading this passage, "Why did Jesus tell Peter this?" Was Peter still feeling condemned that he denied Jesus? Did he feel the weight of Jesus dying on the cross alone and as his friend, the obligation of standing with Him which could have meant dying with him?
Jesus clears it up once and for all. He begins verse 18 with most assuredly. When Jesus uses most assuredly what does that mean?
There is no question about it.
I tell you the truth.
There was no other way.
It had to happen this way.
This is God's plan.
When Jesus used most assuredly, He was telling Peter, dying with me, next to me, was not God's plan. Jesus could have reminded Peter of the Scriptures that said that Jesus would die alone. Instead of going over old news Jesus revealed to Peter, God knew how and when he was going to die. God knew Peter's death would glorify God. God knew the end and He knew Peter would fulfill His destiny. God didn't need Peter to die with Jesus because that was not Peter's destiny.
Jesus is the only one who can save us from our sin. He is the only one whose blood can heal and restore us. His resurrection is the only one that restores new life to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior. Peter's death could not do any of this. If Peter's death would have been at the same time as Jesus' then Scripture would not have been fulfilled. It is almost as if God permitted Satan to tempt Peter to deny Christ, in order to make sure Peter was not dying on the cross next to Jesus.
When Jesus told Peter that satan had asked to sift him, Jesus said He had prayed for Peter. In my mind, when Jesus prays, we conquer. But in this case, Jesus prayed for Peter to "return and strengthen his brethren." Jesus was not praying Peter would beat the devil in the first round, second round or third round; three denials. Jesus was praying Peter would overcome sin, through repentance, walk forgiven, and testify of the love Jesus offers one who was so close to Him and still sinned.
Every Scripture in the Old Testament that talks about Jesus' death on the cross has been fulfilled. If Peter had not denied Jesus, he could have been next to Jesus on the cross or even begged Pilate to take Jesus' place. Couldn't you see Peter begging Pilate to take him instead of Jesus? Peter's death would have only prolonged what had to happen and therefore, would have been futile.
At this point, when Jesus has called Peter to walk with Him. Jesus restores Peter. There is no question in Jesus' mind, Peter loves Him and would have died for Him; but that was not the time. On their walk, Jesus made sure Peter understood He knew he loved Him. One might think Peter honored Jesus too much; therefore, God had to make sure Peter was out-of-the-way so Scripture would be fulfilled and Jesus would become the Savior of the world at that time, on that day.
Jesus, sharing with Peter about his death, also told Peter several other things. But when you are old, let's Peter know he has several years before he will die. In the meantime, God has a plan for you. Peter, you have a destiny to fulfill. You will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish, at that time you will know how valuable it is to have been here testifying of Me and doing the work of the ministry God has called you too. You will not be so eager to die because there will not be another chance to advance My kingdom. This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. Don't worry Peter, you will bring the Father glory in your death.
If Peter had died along side of Jesus or even in His place at that time, there would have been no glory toward God. But when God calls Peter to heaven, his death brings glory to God and the church expands exponentially.
This all may seem bizarre to talk about. Two things that I draw from this:
God has a plan and even if He has to use the devil to accomplish His plan, He will.
God's plan is always the best to advance His kingdom and position us to fulfill our destiny and ultimate heart's desire to bring Him glory.
Father, there have been so many lives lost through this pandemic from the coronavirus to the rioting. I trust You. I ask for each one who has lost a loved one to turn to You. I pray You would minister to those who have lost family members and friends, surround each one with Your love. I pray You would give wisdom to those who have lost their jobs or business through the riots. I pray each one would turn to You, even in desperation because they have nowhere else to go. I pray for their ears to be open and that they would receive Your guidance. I pray they would have boldness to follow You. I ask for You to make a way for each one to prosper in Your plan. I pray for You to cover our president and his family, our vice president and his family, the cabinet members and their families with Your mighty hand of protection. I pray they would know Your ability to save, restore, build up and strengthen them for the tasks for which You have positioned them to accomplish. I pray they would seek You and walk in Your ways as You use them to lead the United States of America. I ask for You to bring the lies to an end, clamp shut the mouth of the deceiver and reveal the truth. I pray for those who will not make their lives right with You to be exposed in their sinful ways. I pray the eyes and ears of the American people will be opened and no longer dulled by the lies of the enemy. I ask for You to wake us up; we will no longer be lulled asleep by the lies and drama of the media and those who want their 15 minutes of fame. I ask for You to speak to Your people of the plans You have for each one of us to bring America back to one nation under God. I pray we would follow You 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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