COME AS YOU ARE, I WILL CHANGE YOU

Peter was a Fisherman when he met Jesus at that time he was a rough man, dirty, vile, shabbily dressed, and often used vulgar language.  The fishermen of the first century were considered a man’s man.  They were full of vigor and had an unruly temper. Although Jesus and Peter had very little in common, Jesus saw something else in Peter no one else did; He saw Peter as the ROCK that He would use to build His Church.  Jesus looks for people like Peter to use for the uplifting of His Kingdom.  Jesus knew His mission would be rough and physically demanding.  Peter was fearless, and hard Jesus took what made Peter strong in the world and made him the Rock, which He built the Church.  Peter was among the first disciples called by Jesus, and Peter was frequently their spokesman.  One thing that Peter is credited with is the special insight that he had concerning Jesus’ identity.  Peter was the first to call Jesus the Son of the Living God – the Messiah (Mark 8:29, Luke 9:20, Matt. 16:16-17).   When Jesus called him, Peter knew that He was of God and felt unworthy to be in Jesus presence (Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man! ).   Even so, Jesus did not hesitate and told Peter that He would make him a “fishers of men” (Luke 5:10  Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” ).

Peter was originally named Simon.  Jesus was the One, who changed Peter’s name. (Peter means “rock”)  How many people today would be willing to leave their families and homes to follow Jesus?  I would, I AM a follower of Jesus, He did not change my name, but He did change my life.  Jesus came to where I was and took me to where I AM today, and I had to leave some things and some people behind.

Father, we are Your followers, please transform us into an Apostle so we may proclaim the Gospel as Peter did by preaching to the people.  Lord, help us receive the Holy Spirit and use our worldly talents to strengthen Your Kingdom.  Father, teach us how to be bold and willing to suffer the persecution and rejoice that we are worthy to suffer disgrace for Your sake.  Father, give us Your courage to bear unkindness and contradiction.  Lord, give us Your courage to fight against evil, temptation, false teachings and fear. Lord, we rebuke every demonic spirit we have spoken over ourselves and our children and let Your will be our will.  Amen