Peter and Me.

Oh man, it's been a hot minute since I've been here. One of the hazards of writing books is that they can take all the writing out of you. But, I'm in between projects and glad to be back!

I've been thinking a lot about Peter this week. Like many of you, I LOVE the show THE CHOSEN. I adore how it portrays the humanity of Jesus, but also the messiness of His followers. Peter is one of my favorites. He's passionate and impulsive. I can relate. 

I found the relationship, albeit someone embellished on the show, between Mattew and Peter fascinating. So opposite, and yet, so alike. 

I studied a handful of chapters this week in the New Testament, specifically, Matthew 14-18, Mark 6-9, Luke 9, and John 6-10.

I love getting to know the apostles through what they saw and chose to share. It made me smile that Matthew talks specifically about Peter at least six times in his chapters. The others, collectively, only mention Peter a few times. It seems that there was, truly, something about Peter that Matthew took note of. Literally.

Perhaps it was Matthew's love of documenting the fruition of prophecies. Or maybe he just liked to point out how many mistakes Peter made. I mean, Peter doubted (14:28-31), he was reprimanded when he didn't understand a parable (15:20), and he rebuked Jesus and was rebuked in return (16:21-28).

Peter sure was a rough stone.

I love that about him. It wasn't the finished edges that impressed the Lord. In fact, perhaps Peter didn't impress Jesus at all. But, Jesus must have seen something in Peter beneath the jagged edges and cracks. It must have been that passion that caused him so much trouble.

It wasn't just Peter's potential that the Lord loved and saw. It was the fire that was already inside Peter. This is what I believe. 

Peter wanted so badly to do what's right. Tell me to walk on water. I'll go with you to the Garden. I'll never deny who I know you are.

And yet, Peter sank. Peter slept. And Peter denied.

Still, the Lord chose Peter to lead His Church after His ascension. To lead the people then and to lead us today.

For all of His faults and foibles, Peter's heart was open, his mind was willing, and his eyes were searching, always searching. Peter was all in. Perhaps too much in (thought the guard who momentarily ost an ear, perhaps).

Peter gave Jesus his heart. And Jesus took it, and everything else that came with it.

That's kind of the deal. I take all of Jesus, and He takes all of me.

I'm so grateful I believe this. Because I can be a lot. I am overzealous and people-pleasing. I struggle with so many things. But, I know I want to be with Jesus. Peter said, "Lord, it is good for [me] to be here" (17:9). 

I can't agree more.

Peter and Me. We have a lot in common. 

I'm so grateful for Peter. He has taught me so much. I love that Jesus is patient with us, that He teaches us. That He doesn't discard us when we are "all in."

I love that Jesus loves my effort, as overzealous and messy it is at times and can help me shape my enthusiasm into sometimes truly powerful for Him.

I love that He takes me, rough edges and all, and loves me enough to smooth them out.

And I love that I do not have a person watching the entire thing and recording it for millions to read. :)