GOD’S WORD FOR OCTOBER 29

Our  book excerpt today, and ongoing,  is from “Chiseled by the Master’s Hand”  Lessons from the Life of Peter, by Erwin  Lutzer.  Dr. Lutzer is  Canadian-born and served as Senior Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years, until his retirement in 2016.   He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Moody Church.  He’s written many books and has radio and internet teaching programs.

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We should marvel at Christ’s accessibility to ordinary folks.  He was willing to entertain those who took the time to investigate His claims;  He had the time and the disposition to answer questions and show kindness.  Here was a man who understood both the motives of the heart, and its potential for either great blessing or great disaster.

The two disciples of John the Baptist, Andrew and most likely John – the brother of James the son of Zebedee, who would become known as the “beloved Apostle” —  were increasingly impressed.  During those hours they became absolutely convinced that Jesus was the Christ, the promised Messiah of Israel.  Incredible as it seemed, this was the One they had been waiting for! 

Andrew left the meeting and immediately went to find his own brother, Peter, to blurt out the news, “We have found the Messiah!”  The Greek word may be translated “eureka”, a word attributed to Archimedes upon discovering a method to determine the purity of gold.  These two disciples, however, had found something of much greater value – they had found a pearl of infinite worth, the Messiah, the Lord, the King!

Andrew was not a scholar, but he knew that if his brother would meet Jesus for himself, he would come to the same conclusion. So with a heart filled with warmth and affection, Andrew brought Peter to Jesus.  He discovered that he scarcely needed to introduce them to one another!

Andrew stands in sharp contrast to his flamboyant, famous brother.  He is not recorded as having preached any sermons; he did not make any rash promises nor did he ask any impertinent questions.  But he was active behind the scenes bringing people to Christ.   Certainly this one thoughtful act alone is sufficient to assure Andrew a place in history.  For those servants who are faithful in bringing a mighty servant to Christ share in that mighty servant’s reward.

 Few people have heard of Edward Kimball, yet he is the Sunday School teacher who led D.L. Moody to Christ.  No one knows the name of an unlettered lay preacher who preached in a primitive British chapel on the text, “Look unto Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth.”   Yet through that imperfect channel, the famous Charles Haddon Spurgeon was converted.

Andrew teaches us that when we do the good that lies at our hand, we may do more for Christ than if we perform some visible service that catches the eyes of men but misses the approval of God.   God always begins His special works in secret, and only later is His plan made clear to His people.  It is a high privilege to be a steppingstone for others who are destined to have a personal confrontation with Christ.

Andrew brought his brother to Christ but apparently didn’t have the opportunity of making a formal introduction.  The moment they met,  Christ looked at Peter with a gaze that held the promise of hope and power; 

“You are Simon, the son of John; you shall be called Cephas”. The name Cephas is Aramaic for Peter, which means rock.  Christ not only knew who Peter was, He also knew who Peter would eventually become.

“You are” is the diagnosis

“You shall be” is the promise!

Peter, with his knowledge of the Old Testament, might well have thought of Abram, whose name was changed by God to Abraham (the father of many); and Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel (a prince with God). 

God never changes a man’s name without also changing his character or position.

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Jeremiah 17:10

    I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.

Isaiah 43:1

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.

Psalm 139:1-2

 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

Matthew 6:6

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Proverbs 27:19

As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man.

Matthew 12:34b

For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

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