Shared with me-- an unknown author As I read in the Bible about accounts of what people did, I always try to resist the temptation of being very critical, without first trying to put myself in their shoes. I have the 66 Books of the Bible to guide me. There were times when great men of God had no printed Word of God to guide them. Abraham could not read about the exploits, strengths and weaknesses of others before him, and none of the Bible characters could possibly have benefited from the lives of those who came after them. David and others would have had the benefit of guidance from a limited number of Old Testament Books. On the other hand, we have the benefit of being able to read 66 Books of the Bible as well as other contemporary literature, and to benefit from the mistakes and commendable behaviour of those that have gone on before. However, in an attempt to understand the contribution of Bible characters better, we need to try to step into their shoes. I have come to the conclusion that understanding Jesus could have been very confusing at times. Were I in Peter’s shoes, I might have done exactly what he did. Let me illustrate. In Luke 22:49-50, we read, “When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” Then one of them struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his right ear.” Notice that more than one disciple asked whether they should retaliate with the sword. Peter’s aggressive personality did not allow him to wait for the answer. He was not about to waste time talking, when confronted with a situation that demanded a sword fight, despite being out-numbered. But what else should we expect? Was Peter to be blamed for drawing his sword and attacking? From where could he have gotten such a horrible thought? For your answer, read a little earlier in Luke 22:35-36, “He also said to them, “When I sent you out without money-bag, traveling bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Not a thing,” they said. Then He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money-bag should take it, and also a traveling bag. And whoever doesn’t have a sword should sell his robe and buy one.” That message appears to be crystal clear. It is not surprising that in verse 38, they replied by saying, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” In response, all that Jesus said was, “Enough of that.” What did that mean? Peter formed his own conclusions and acted. It was Jesus’ response to Peter’s action that clarified what He intended. Clearly, Peter was wrong… but understandably wrong. Peter’s personality type was such that he was capable of very high emotional and motivational heights, which in turn repeatedly pushed him into the leadership role. However a major requirement of Peter’s temperament type, is that those who are capable of the highest “highs”, must also be capable of the lowest “lows”. Imagine how emotionally and psychologically devastating it must have been to single-handedly attack a band of fully armed men who have come to seize your leader, strike the first blow, and then have your leader publicly rebuke you, instead of commending your efforts? Not only does your leader condemn your actions in defending Him, but He reaches out to the enemy you wounded, and heals him. That must have been a major morale blow for Peter. Can you now begin to understand why a confused, demoralized, embarrassed Peter would have plunged from an all-time high of exhilaration, to an all-time low of demotivation? Can you understand how in that state he would have denied Jesus when accused of being his accomplice? Is it not commendable that unlike nine other disciples, Peter still had enough courage to follow Jesus into the High Priest’s house? I am sure that if I were in Peter’s shoes, I would have denied Jesus just as Peter did. Just remember, Peter did not have the 66 Books of the Bible as reference, as we do. Today, we have 66 Books of the Bible in addition to God’s Holy Spirit to guide us and instruct us. Because of our superior exposure, God expects a higher standard from us. We can study strengths and weaknesses, the successes and the failures in the lives of Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, Moses, Judas, Peter and many more. With this advantage, may we learn at the feet of Jesus in humility, and help each other to grow in the things of God.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 21:58:39 +0000