And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
*I know I spoke on these verses not too long ago, but I've gotta go back there so bear with me!
Simon Peter was one of Jesus' beloved, but my favorite thing about him was his humanity. Every time I read about Peter, particularly during the time before the crucifixion, I see him try to do the right thing, only to put his foot in his mouth. Even as Jesus is arrested, he still doesn't seem to "get it," as he cuts off the ear of one of the men coming to arrest Jesus (John 18:10-11).
Simon Peter was one of Jesus' beloved, but my favorite thing about him was his humanity. Every time I read about Peter, particularly during the time before the crucifixion, I see him try to do the right thing, only to put his foot in his mouth. Even as Jesus is arrested, he still doesn't seem to "get it," as he cuts off the ear of one of the men coming to arrest Jesus (John 18:10-11).
Many of the original leaders of the early Christian church certainly didn't seem like the "type," judging by worldly standards. In fact, not long after this passage we find Peter denying Christ not once, but three times. Jesus knew and understood the failures that Peter would have, but still saw something in him that was invisible to everyone else, transforming him into one of the greatest leaders the church has ever had.
Why did God set up the church to be one body? Why is it important that we don't try to live in complete isolation from our brothers and sisters in Christ? Simple. God knows that we are weak. That's part of our humanity. He gave us one another so that we can build each other up and encourage one another in the faith. He provided companionship so that we can develop relationships with others to keep each other accountable before God. How many times have you found yourself slipping away from God, only to have a caring friend speak encouraging words that could only have come from God?
Are you growing in your own faith? What about those who are closest to you? When was the last time you testified about the way God has worked through your own struggles to help out a friend going through a similar situation? In Galatians, Paul instructs us to "carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. " (Gal 6:2, NIV)
Don't be afraid to "strengthen thy brethren." God will equip you as needed to do all that he calls you to. I challenge you to take some time out this week to share some words of encouragement with your friends, as often a few simple words can make a huge difference.
-AMR
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