Rocky III

 Here in Acts 4:5-12, Luke describes the first part of Peter and John's trial before the Sanhedrin.  The religious authorities broke up Pete's sermon in Solomon's Porch and tossed the two apostles in the pokey for the night.  

"On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem" (v5).  These are the positions that made up the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, including the high priest.  

The Roman government allowed these 71 men to handle all things Jewish among the people, in particular, matters regarding the temple.  This same group oversaw the conspiracy and manipulation of the system to execute Jesus.  

Dr. Luke tells us that our old friends "Annas the high priest and Caiaphas” were in attendance, as well as two men named "John and Alexander, and all who were in the high priestly family" (v6).  

The Gospel accounts seem to go back and forth in telling us who the high priest was during Christ's crucifixion.  The entire high priesthood during these years centered on Annas.  He held the office from AD 6-15.  

His son-in-law Caiaphas was the current high priest when this all goes down (AD 18-36).  Several of Annas' sons also served in the position, including Jonathan ("John" mentioned above? Hmm, could be.) in AD 36.

Annas clearly wielded great power and influence.  He had an iron-fisted grip on the high priesthood.  

Roman authorities had removed him from the position, but he was able to manipulate the system to get his puppets into place.  

Annas was more like a mafia boss still running his empire from prison than the God's high priest.  More godfather than God lover.

Annas and his toadies pound the table and demand Peter and John to tell them what was going on (v7).  The room had to be thick with tension and threat.  

These same men conspired to crucify Christ.  Certainly these two bumpkins from boondocks would face a similar fate.

At this point, Pete testifies.  Well, not so much testifies as preaches.  He begins his third sermon in the opening chapter of Acts (Acts 2:14-40; 3:12-26).  

The man Jesus called Rocky answers the bell and begins throwing haymakers.  Let's call this "Rocky III."

God had filled him with the Holy Spirit.  Pete wasn't just baptized in the Spirit.  God had filled him to the brim.  

Remember, while Peter was the leader of the disciples, he was continually tripping over himself.  One moment he's declaring Jesus is Messiah and the next moment Jesus calls him Satan.  

Just some two months prior Pete denied Jesus three times!  When the Spirit fills ordinary people, they do extraordinary things.

This is a reminder that while God's Spirit indwells all believers, He completely fills others.  The thing that keeps most of us from being filled with the Spirit is that we are full of it.  

In other words, we are full of ourselves.  Full of sin.  Full of self.  Jesus is our example.  We must empty ourselves in humility (Phil 2:1-11) in order to be filled with His Spirit. 

Jesus had actually predicted, promised and prophesied this moment.  "And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say" (Lk 12:11-12).  

And that's EXACTLY what (or should I say "Who"?) was happening to Peter.  God's Spirit had filled and empowered him.

Rocky pulls no punches and comes out swinging.  He tells them that this "good deed done to a crippled man" (v9) was done "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified" (v10).   

He immediately turns the tables on the sinful Sanhedrin and puts them on trial for murder!  

Yeah, we healed the guy.  And we did it in the name of Jesus!  Now what in the world are you going to do about it?  This is Spirit-filled boldness!

Rocky swings with a two-punch combination.  He first charges the council with killing the Christ.  BAM!  

He unleashes the second punch by testifying that "God raised (Jesus) from the dead!" (v10).  POW!!  

Again, the resurrection of Jesus is central to the proclamation of the Gospel in the book of Acts.  Clearly these early disciples saw the empty tomb just as important as Calvary's cross.  

Pete tells them that it's by the name of Jesus, the One who killed and the One God raised that "this man is standing before you” (v10).

First Rocky uses the clear evidence of the once disabled man for proof, he now flips back to the OT to support his charges even further.  "This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone" (v11).  

He quotes Psalm 118:22, a verse quoted and reference many times in the NT as being about Jesus (Lk 20:17; Eph 2:20; 1Pet 2:4-8).

The verse from Psalm 118 speaks of the massive construction project of Solomon’s first temple.  According to Jewish tradition, masons quarried and cut enormous stones for the temple miles from the project because no hammer was to be heard at the construction site.  

The first stone that arrived, the cornerstone, didn’t match specifications.  It wasn’t what builders expected.  They rejected it and put it aside (some even say they rolled it over the side of the cliff into the Kidron Valley below).  

It was only later that project managers realized this was exactly the stone they should have used to start the project!  

Jesus is saying that this rejected cornerstone in Solomon’s temple that the psalmist wrote about foreshadowed His arrival as Messiah.  Christ was rejected because He wasn’t the kind of stone they expected.  

The people want a king.  A REAL king.  A warrior king.  But what they didn’t realize was that Christ is EXACTLY the kind of king they need.  

The builders (religious leaders) may reject Him, but Jesus that doesn’t change the fact that He is indeed the THE Cornerstone. 

Pete is drawing a line in the temple sand.  Jesus is Messiah.  He has been sent from God the Father.  Either accept Him or reject Him.  And once you’ve made your choice, prepare for the consequences. 

With the Sanhedrin wobbling on the ropes, Rocky goes for the knockout.  "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (v12).  

He boldly tells the council that God's salvation is found only in Jesus.  In other words, everything God tells us about salvation in the OT is about Christ. 

Pete makes it VERY clear.  Christianity is VERY exclusive.  But it is also VERY inclusive.  Jesus is the only way (Jn 14:6).  But anyone may enter through Him.  

This is an EXTREMELY unpopular thing to proclaim in our world today.  We must pray for Spirit-filled boldness to stand up for this truth.  

"Rocky III" is over quickly.  This fight does NOT go the distance.

©2011

Jay Jennings

Rocky II

 Sequels usually disappoint.  Whether a movie or a book, the second rarely is as good as the first.  

Sylvester Stallone's "Rocky II" is a great example.  But here in his sequel, Luke gives us his version of "Rocky II."  

Simon Peter, who Jesus Himself nicknamed Rocky (Jn 1:42), delivers his second message.  Powered by Holy Spirit, Pete's sermon sequel doesn't disappoint.  

God used his first to save 3,000 (Acts 2:41).  He will use the second to save another 5,000 (Acts 4:4).

The setting for Pete's sermon sequel is Solomon's Portico on the temple grounds in Jerusalem (v11).  

This is the covered porch that surrounded the Court of the Gentiles.  Jesus preached at this very same place on at least one occasion (Jn 10:23).

God has just used Peter and his fellow apostle John to heal a 40-year-old beggar who was unable to walk from birth (Acts 3:7-8).  

Once healed, this dude danced and jumped around like he had just one the lottery.  And the miracle blew people away (Acts 3:9-10).

Once the former disabled dude finishes his victory lap around the Court of the Gentiles, he latches onto Pete and John.  The scene in the temple courts was getting crazy.  

Luke tells us that "the people, utterly astonished, ran together to them” (Acts 3:11).  God's miracles tend to escalate things very quickly.

Rocky saw this is a God-given opportunity to explain to everyone what had just happened and to tell the crowd about Jesus (v12).  He uses this as a chance to set everyone straight on what they had seen.  

Pete tells the excited mob that he and Johnny didn't do anything.  There's no reason to be looking at them ("why do you stare at us?").  

What they had just witnessed had absolutely NOTHING to do with any special power or any great godliness on their part.

Rocky tells the crowd that God did all of this (v13).  And here on the temple grounds, he tells his audience EXACTLY who this God is.  "The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers."  

In other words, the God who healed this man is the one and the same God who made those amazing covenant promises to their Jewish forefathers.  This is the same title God declared for Himself when Moses checked that bizarre burning bush (Ex 3:6, 15).

Pete goes on to say that this miracle was just the way for our Promise-Keeping God bring glory to "His servant Jesus."  

In other words, it was God's way of reinforcing His point that all of the covenant promises are fulfilled in the Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth.  

Through this miracle, God endorses Jesus as Messiah and these two men as His apostles.  Time and time again in the NT, God uses wonders to reassure the people that these apostles are His divine representatives who speak His Gospel.

Rocky uses a very interesting title for Christ, "His servant Jesus."  It is only used of Jesus four times, three of them here in this impromptu sermon (Acts 3:26; 4:27, 30; Mt 12:18).  

The Greek word for servant here is pais/παις.  It can mean child.  But it also can carry the idea of a servant, specifically a king's attendant (Thayer/BDB).

While it's only used four times in the NT, but the Greek translation of the OT (the Septuagint or LXX) repeated uses pais/παις to translate the word servant.  

The Servant is one of Isaiah's most powerful images of God's Messiah (Is 42:1; 49:6; 50:10; 52:13).  This messianic Servant is to suffer at the hand of God on behalf of God's people (Is 53).  

Pete explains that is exactly what has happened to Jesus.  He is the Messiah God promised.  He is that Servant that Isaiah prophesied.

In other words, Jesus and the Gospel of Grace is no sequel.  He is the continuation of God's original story of salvation! 

Here in Rocky's sequel sermon, he goes back to the same theme of the first.  He accuses his audience of killing Jesus.  

Instead of embracing their God-promised Messiah, they handed Him over to Pilate and demanded his execution.  They did all this after the governor had ruled Him innocent time after time.

"But you denied the Holy and Righteous One" (v14).  Pete charges his listeners with giving the Heisman to God's Holy One, for rejecting the Righteous One.  

Note the title.  Jesus was not just holy, but THE Holy One.  Again, a common title for Messiah in the OT, especially by Isaiah.  

There is no one else like Jesus.  He is set apart.  He is unique.  He is completely different.

And He is the Righteous One.  While not used as often, this is another term found in the OT.  As a matter of fact, God uses it to talk about Jesus in Isaiah.  

"By His knowledge shall the Righteous One, My Servant, make may to be accounted righteous, and He shall bear their iniquities" (Is 53:11).  As the Righteous One, Jesus is absolutely without sin.  Pure.  

And if rejecting God's Holy and Righteous One isn't bad enough, Peter points out that the people "asked for a murderer to be granted to you."  

That's Barabbas (Lk 23:18-25).  As bad as Lou Brock for Ernie Broglio was, this was the worst trade in the history of mankind.

Rocky then delivers his knockout blow.  "You killed the Author of Life, whom God raised from the dead" (v15).  

Imagine standing before thousands of people and telling them they killed God.  But that's EXACTLY what Pete did.  

"Author" is the Greek word archegos/αρχηγος.  It means the chief leader, the one out front, the pioneer, the originator.  

The writer of Hebrews uses it twice to refer to Jesus (Heb 2:10; 12:10).  They had taken the life of the One who gives it.

If Pete would've ended his message there, people would have had no hope.  But he doesn't stop there.  

He tells the crowd the Author of Life is no longer dead in the grave.  No, God raised Him from the dead!!!  

They may have killed Christ, but God has something greater in store.  And if the people have any doubts about the fact that Jesus is alive, there are plenty of witnesses.

Rocky tells his audience that it was this same Jesus that actually healed the disabled man.  

"And His name--by faith in His name--has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all” (v16).  

Pete tells the crowd to look at the guy.  He's healthy.  Jesus did that!  And this is picture of what life in the kingdom will be like for all of us.  Perfect health for everyone.

Peter preaches a message of grace.  This is about what God has done and continues to do.  

God made promises to the patriarchs.  God sent Messiah in the form of His Son Jesus.  The people rejected Him.  The people murdered Him.  Yet God offers life and salvation in His name.

God saves us because He is gracious.  He provided everything.  We've done nothing...nothing but reject Him.  

Rocky makes it clear that everything that has happened is God's doing.  The healing of the man.  The offer of salvation.

That's the theme of "Rocky II."  This sequel does not disappoint.

©2011

Jay Jennings

When Jesus Calls You "Satan"

Picking up a Nickname

If you’ve played team sports, chances are you picked up a nickname. Maybe more than one. No, not a shortened version of the name your parents gave you. Sorry, that doesn’t count.

I’m talking about one of those labels you get from your teammates, coaches, or maybe even the fans. Hopefully it’s something awesome like Magic, Crazy Legs, or Dr. J. Maybe even one with a sweet “the” before it, like the Babe, the Crime Dog, or the Big Hurt.

Then there are those nicknames that are, shall we say, less than flattering. How would like somebody slapping you with something like the Muscle Hamster, No Neck, or Stink? Yeah, me neither.

It’s Just What Dudes Do

Did you know some of Jesus’ disciples have awesome nicknames? When a bunch of guys hang out together for three and a half years, it’s just bound to happen. I mean, it’s just what dudes do.

Jesus calls brothers James and John the “Sons of Thunder” (Mk 3:17). How cool is THAT?!? The Lord also changes Simon’s name to Peter which basically means Rocky (Jn 1:42).

A Terrible Tag

And then there’s the time Christ calls that very same Pete “Satan” (Mk 8:32-33). Yeah, you read that right. The Son of God actually calls the leader of His disciples Lucifer. I’m not sure there’s a more terrible tag than that! If it’s up to me, I’d rather go by Stink.

The crazy thing is that just moments before, Rocky’s the first one of the guys to call Jesus the “Messiah” (Mk 8:29). That results in the Lord giving Peter a nifty “attaboy” (Mt 16:17).

Pushing Our Plans Down God’s Throat

But in a New York minute, Christ suddenly calls the former commercial fisherman Satan.  What in the Wide World of Sports just went down? When we take a closer look at this passage, we’ll see that anytime we try to push our plans down God’s throat, it’s satanic.

Playing a Guessing Game

Let’s rewind a bit for context. The first major chunk of John Mark’s bio of Jesus is basically a guessing game (Mk 1:1-8:26). Folks are trying to figure out the true identity of the radical Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth.

Oh, there’s no lack of theories. Jesus’ own family thinks He’s off His religious rocker (3:21). Folks back in His hometown aren’t all that impressed (Mk 6:1-3).

The Buzz on the Street

The Jewish religious leaders blow a gasket when our Savior starts forgiving sin (Mk 2:6) and come to believe He’s on assignment straight from the pit of hell (Mk 3:22).

The buzz on the street seems to point to Him being John the Baptizer, Elijah, or one of the other prophetic hall of famers (Mk 6:14-15; 8:28).

Putting the Pieces Together

The Lord’s personal posse has a front row seat for one miracle after another and freak out at the possibility of who He might be. After He shuts down a late night storm on the lake, they openly ask each other who the heck is this Guy?!? (Mk 4:41).

Ultimately the Son of God reveals His true identity to the Twelve during a little mountain retreat. That’s when Pete puts the pieces of the puzzle together to say He’s the Christ (Mk 8:29). But Jesus blindsides them and says He’ll be betrayed, tortured, and brutally murdered (Mk 8:31).

A Deeper Dive

That’s where we pick up the story in Mark’s Gospel. After initially blowing their expectations of what the Messiah will do and be, Jesus takes a deeper dive into what His mission will look like.

We read how “He talked openly about this with His disciples” (v32). While Matthew’s version of this very same story is nearly identical (Mt 16:21-23), this little factoid is unique to Mark.

An Extended Discussion

A couple of important points from this simple phrase. The tense of the verb here is imperfect. For those of us who aren’t English majors, that just means we can easily translate this as “He was talking.” In other words, this is an extended discussion, not some single, offhand comment.

Jesus not only offers a lengthy messianic explanation, He pulls no punches. See the word “openly?” This is a really cool word in the original language: παρρησια/parresia. It’s the one and only time John Mark uses it in his Gospel.

A Joyful Confidence

The term describes an attitude of joyful transparency that stems from freedom and a lack of fear, often in the face of intimidating circumstances. It’s doing something courageously, confidently, boldly, or frankly.

When Pete preaches His very first sermon at Pentecost, he does it “confidently (Gr. παρρησια/parresia)” (Acts 2:29). Later that same apostle and his buddy John stare down the religious big wigs with “boldness (Gr. παρρησια/parresia)” (Acts 4:13).

The writer of Hebrews encourages the followers of Jesus to “come boldly (Gr. παρρησια/parresia) to the throne of our gracious God” because of all our Savior has done as our great High Priest (Heb 4:16).

Putting the Cookies on the Bottom Shelf

But there’s another important part of this word that helps us here. It also paints a picture of holding nothing back and doing so in a straightforward way. Plain. Clear. Accessible. Uncomplicated.

Jesus puts the cookies on the bottom shelf. This time there are no parables, metaphors, hints, clues, riddles, or veiled allusions. He leaves nothing to chance. The Message puts it this way. “He said this simply and clearly so they couldn’t miss it” (v32 The Message).

Unpacking Big Ideas

What a great reminder to all of His followers to keep our language simple and understandable when telling others about Jesus. I’m NOT saying we should dumb down the Gospel. Not in the least! But we need to be able to unpack these eternally important ideas in a way folks can understand.

Let’s do it openly. We need to be plain, clear, accessible, and uncomplicated. Throwing around five dollar theological terms like Penal Substitutionary Atonement without explanation will only result in your listener looking at you like my dog looks at television.

Meanwhile back in Mark’s story, wouldn’t you love to see the looks on the disciples’ faces when He spells out what’s going to happen? But despite Jesus going into great detail about it all, it’s blatantly obvious that the guys still didn’t get it.

Grabbing the God by the Sleeve

We know that because of what happens next. “Peter took Him aside” (v32). The author uses a Greek word (Gr. προσλαμβανω/proslambano) that paints a picture of physically taking hold of someone or something. In this case, that someone is the Savior.

Apparently, Pete grabs the sleeve of Jesus’ robe and yanks the Son of Man to himself for an emergency sidebar. Maybe Rocky doesn’t want to embarrass the Lord in front of the others. Maybe he’s trying to get Christ to understand the impact of what He’s saying on the rest of the team.

Stern Words for the Word

Whatever the motivation, Peter actually scolds his Savior. He “began to reprimand Him for saying such things” (v32). He has a few stern words for the Word. Drop this all death talk right here, right now.

What exactly does the disciple say when he gets in the grill of the Son of God? Flip over to Matthew’s Gospel again. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said, “This will never happen to you!” (Mt 16:22).

That’s Crazy Talk!!

The point of Peter’s pep talk is simple. He and the boys can’t see any reason why the Messiah needs to die. Betrayal? Get outta here!! Suffering? That’s crazy talk!! Murder? Are You out of Your mind?!?

Think about it. Rocky pulls the Lord aside tells Him what the Anointed One is supposed to do and what He’s not! I’m pretty sure if there’s anybody who doesn’t need messianic mentoring, it’s Jesus.

Turning Discipleship Upside Down

The problem is that Pete has turned discipleship upside down. The student doesn’t teach the teacher…ESPECIALLY when the Teacher is the sinless Son of God!! This makes about as much sense as the clay pot telling the potter that he’s doing all wrong (Is 29:16; 45:9).

We all need to back off before we throw Simon Peter under the bus. We all second guess our sovereign God on a regular basis. Why does He allow this? Why doesn’t He stop that?  When we do, we’d better buckle up. He may blow our doors off like He does Job (Job 38-41).

While I’m not saying “Bruce Almighty” has all of its doctrinal ducks in a row, but that flick certainly shows how ridiculous it would be if we had divine decision-making power. That’s because we can’t see what God sees and know what God knows. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Sneaking a Peek

While the Lord and His lead disciple are having their little one-on-one, Christ sneaks a peek at the rest of His team. “Jesus turned around and looked at His disciples” (v33). It’s yet another nugget you’ll only find in Mark.

How would the author know about the Son of God’s glance? Because of his source. You see, the disciples of the very first disciples all believed John Mark’s Gospel is actually Peter’s personal memoir. Early pastors like Papias, Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Clement, Tertullian, and Origen all said as much. We’re talking serious heavy hitters here.

Repping the Rest of the Team

So we find this tidbit only in Mark’s story of Jesus because the person who told him about was standing right there! Pete knows because he remembers it firsthand.

Why does the Lord look over His shoulder in the middle Rocky’s reprimand? Probably because Peter’s not just speaking for himself. Many times in the Gospels, he reps the rest of the team when talking to Christ (Mt 18:21; 19:21; Mk 10:28; 11:21; Lk 8:45; 12:41; Jn 13:6-9).

Pump Your Brakes, Pete

Jesus swivels His head back and looks His disciple square in the eye. This has gone far enough. Mark tells us how Christ “then reprimanded Peter” (v33). Slow your roll, Rock. Pump your brakes, Pete.

The word the NLT translates as “reprimanded (Gr. επιτιμαω/epitimao)” makes its third appearance in past four verses. A little earlier, Jesus “warned (Gr. επιτιμαω/epitimao)” His team to keep the news that He’s the Christ on the down low (Mk 8:30).

A Flag on the Play
 
Pete has just “reprimanded (Gr. επιτιμαω/epitimao)” the Lord for all His ridiculous talk of messianic suffering, betrayal, and murder (v32). And before the disciple can finish, Christ throws the flag.

This Greek word can certainly mean to warn, strongly admonish, or even threaten. But it also describes how you can size a certain situation and assess a penalty. In other words, Jesus blows the whistle on Pete. There’s a flag on the play. This one’s coming back.

That Escalated Quickly!

It’s with laundry on the field that the Lord gives His disciple his new nickname. “Get away from Me, Satan!” (v33). One moment Peter tells Jesus “You are the Messiah” (Mk 8:29). Seconds later, our Savior calls him Satan. Well, THAT escalated quickly!

Some people think the documents in what we now call the Bible are heavily edited to make the disciples look good. If I’m Rocky, this story doesn’t make the final edition. This certainly seems to blow that accusation right out of the water.

Jesus Is the Hero

A couple of points to consider. John Mark’s Gospel may be Peter’s story, but it is Peter’s STORY OF JESUS!!! This isn’t the apostle’s autobiography. Pete’s not the point. Just like the rest of story of Scripture from beginning to end, Christ is THE HERO!!

The other point is that Jesus’ closest followers are consistently seen as knuckleheads who just don’t get it. Don’t make the mistake of elevating them to superstar saint status. They’re broken, sinful, garden variety, average people just like you and me. 

The Duel in the Desert

But why would the Son of God seemingly turn on His right hand guy? So glad you asked. We’ll see a connection when we flip over to Matthew’s version of Jesus’ duel in the desert with the devil (Mt 4:1-11).

The tempter wraps up his big pitch by promising our Savior that he’ll give Him every single kingdom of the world. All Jesus has to do is worship him. None of that messy cross business. Talk about the Easy Button!

Hijacking the Heavenly Rescue Mission

How does the Lord respond? “Get out of here, Satan!” (Mt 4:10). There’s no way Christ is going to allow Lucifer to hijack His heavenly search and rescue mission of you and me. And it’s almost the very same words He says to Peter.

You see, Jesus came to do a job. To live the perfect life that we failed to live. Die the death for our disobedience we should have died. To rise to the glorious new life we don’t deserve.

A guy named Paul puts it like this. “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2Cor 5:21).

The Ultimate Reserved Seat

Just like showdown with Satan, Pete’s apparent well-meaning advice for the Lord would sidetrack what He’s come to do. If Jesus listens to Rocky’s rebuke, there’s no cross, no “It is finished!”, no empty tomb.

The connection between the Son of Man’s words for the devil and the disciple is this. Anytime we put our plans ahead of God’s, it’s satanic. Period.

Anything less than choosing God’s will puts us on the throne of heaven. And He’s not sharing it. You see, the Almighty’s got the ultimate reserved seat. Don’t make Him ask you to move.

A Problem of Perspective

Christ tells His disciple that this is all a problem of perspective. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s” (v33). Jesus wants him to know that Pete can’t see what’s going on from where he stands. If he could only see His messianic mission from the eternal angle.

We see the difference in perspective all throughout Scripture. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts…And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Is 55:8-9).

Getting on God’s Wavelength

Pete’s friend Paul says the key to getting on God’s wavelength is sharing our Savior’s perspective. “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had” (Phil 2:5).

If not, our objectives are a total waste of time each and every time they conflict with what God wants. “You can make plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail” (Prov 19:21). As the old saying goes, if you want to make God laugh just tell Him your plans.

Pulling No Punches

Before we get our undies in a bundle about Peter, we can relax. We know how his story turns out. Eventually Pete WILL see it God’s way! Rocky pulls no punches in his very first sermon just a few months later.

“God knew what would happen, and His prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed Him to a cross and killed Him. But God released Him from the horrors of death and raised Him back to life, for death could not keep Him in its grip” (Acts 2:23-24).

Rocky II

A few days later, Pete does it again. Call it Rocky II. He stares down the Jewish leadership known as the Sanhedrin when they try to put a lid on this whole Jesus-Is-the-Messiah deal.

“For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of all our ancestors—who has brought glory to His Servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate’s decision to release Him. You rejected this holy, righteous One and instead demanded the release of a murderer. You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact!” (Acts 3:13-15).

God Flips the Script

Here’s what Pete’s point in both messages. Jewish power brokers team and scheme with the most brutal dynasty on the planet in order to kill the Christ. You know what happened? God flips the script on them and uses it accomplish His plan!

But here in the villages of Caesarea Philippi, Peter can’t see any of that. He simply sees the One who’s just announced that He’s the long awaited Hero from heaven say He has a date with death.

Attempting to Call an Audible

He steps and attempts to call an audible on Jesus’ game plan of grace. And as a result, the Son of God calls Simon Satan. Ouch. Talk about a bummer of a nickname. Something tells he prefers Rocky.

But that’s what happens anytime we try to push our plans down the Lord’s throat. If it’s not God’s plan, it’s satanic.

©2018
Jay Jennings

Are You Gonna Go My Way?

Lyrics about the Lord

I was born long ago,
I am the chosen, I’m the one.
I have come to save the day,
And I won’t leave until I’m done.

But what I really want to know is…
Are you gonna go My way?

Back in 1993, Lenny Kravitz hit it big when he asked the musical question “Are You Gonna Go My Way?” Did you know Lenny wasn’t extending the invitation to join him on his next tour? He’s actually singing about Jesus.

Yes, THAT Jesus. The lyrics are all about the same itinerant, homeless Jewish Preacher/Teacher/Healer described by Mark in his bio of the Son of God.

Leaving Stuff Behind

Lenny got the idea for this single from an invitation Christ made to four commercial fishermen while walking lakeside in the boondocks of Israel (Mk 1:16-20). Two pairs of brothers. Simon and Andrew. James and John. These boys drop all they’re doing and gain…well…everything.

This all goes down the day the Son of God asks the four fishermen if they’re willing to go His way. But in order to follow Him, they have to leave stuff behind. To keep up and we have to put stuff down. In order to go this way we have to put something down.

Buckle Up

Let’s get a running start at our story by catching up with Mark’s look at the life of Jesus. And when I say “running,” I’m not kidding. The particular bio doesn’t mess around. It’s no frills and pedal to the metal. John Mark gives us the original Fast and Furious. You probably want to buckle up.

First of all, Christ’s weird, bug eating, leather wearing cousin John the Baptizer does the work of getting folks ready for Messiah (Mk 1:1-8). As folks flock to John for baptism, the prophet is shocked to the One he’s prepping people for standing in line to get wet.

A Rare Public Appearance

My guess is John isn’t expecting what happens next. The Spirit tears apart the sky and soars down like a dove. The Father’s voice booms from heaven with the ultimate “attaboy!” (Mk 1:9-11).

Ladies and gentleman, I give you the Trinity. We see the Father, Son, and Spirit making a rare public appearance together at the Jordan River. It doesn’t happen often. But when it does, it’s a very big deal.

Playing a Road Game

Jesus’ first day on the job of His public ministry is actually a private one. The Spirit sends Him to play a road game in the most hostile environment possible (Mk 1:12-13). The place is the wilderness. The opponent is the devil.

Forty days later with a “W” under His belt, Christ rolls into Galilee broadcasting the Gospel of God (Mk 1:14-15). Repent from sin and believe in the Good News. Turn and trust. It’s Go Time.

Jesus Doesn’t Need You but He WANTS You

Jesus is about to assemble His team. It’s interesting when you think about it. As the Son of God, He really doesn’t need one. You do realize He could do this all by Himself, right? Christ doesn’t need them. He doesn’t need me. He doesn’t need you. But He WANTS us to be part of His mission. He’s still inviting us to join Him in His work today.

Now if you were putting together a small squad of spiritual ninjas that would change the world forever, where would you go? Who would you choose? What skills would you be looking for? I don’t know about you, but I’m heading to Jerusalem in order to draft the best and brightest from Jewish seminaries.

Average Joes

Once again, Jesus does just the opposite of what we would expect. Instead of climbing the ivory tower, He makes a beeline for blue collar boys. Instead of bright lights and big city, Christ takes a casual stroll in the boonies. Instead of looking for Bible scholars, He sees working stiffs. Average Joes.

As a matter of fact, religious bigwigs are blown away by just how average these guys were. After Jesus’ resurrection and return home to heaven, members of the Jewish leadership council describe Peter and John as “ordinary men who had no special training in the Scriptures” (Acts 4:13).

A closer look at the original language of the passage tells us this was actually a serious put down. They actually call them “illiterate idiots.” I’m not kidding. Not even one bit. They also made another powerful point that is just as important. There was no doubt that these men “had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

Knuckleheads, Goofballs, Weirdos, and Losers

Two thousand years later, Christ is still looking for average folks. Oh sure, He can certainly use highly trained scholars who have more degrees than Fahrenheit. On the other hand, He loves using the ordinary. And the Lord specializes in using knuckleheads, goofballs, weirdos, and losers. That’s exactly Paul’s point to that incredibly jacked up bunch of Jesus followers in Corinth (1Cor 1:27-28).

A New Kind of Fishing

Meanwhile, we see our Savior walking along the shore of Lake Galilee (v16). He spots a couple of those average Joes we’ve been talking about. Meet Simon and John. They’re fishing. This is no hobby. It’s their job. Their career. And it’s VERY hard work. Early mornings. Late nights. If something smells fishy, it’s probably these two.

As they’re throwing their nets, Jesus throws them a line. “Come, follow Me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (v17). Stop what you’re doing, boys. The radical Rabbi/Carpenter has a whole new kind of fishing He wants to show you. But you’re going to have to drop what you’re doing in order to find out.

Get Over Here!

Christ’s invitation to “follow” is actually a pair of words in the Greek. The first is δευρο/deuro, which is an adverb meaning “come here” or an urgent call to come now! It draws one toward a goal at or near the speaker and implies movement. It’s Jesus’ way of saying, “Get over here!”

The second word is οπισω/opiso. It’s another adverb which means after, in back of, or behind someone or something. The term describes location, place, or position. The Lord invites the boys fall in behind Him so that He can show them where to go and what to do.

The Lord Leads

I’ve always got to remember that following Jesus means He’s in front. Our positions in this amazing relationship are critical. The Lord leads. I follow. He’s in front. I’m behind. Too many times I find myself behind the wheel or at least acting like an annoying backseat driver telling Him where we should go and how to get there.

He IS God. He knows exactly where He’s going. He knows EXACTLY when we need to get there. On the other hand, following is what followers do. Leave the leading to the only One who’s qualified. The Lord leads. I follow. Am I gonna go His way?

The Long Process

Jesus then makes a very interesting invitation to these dudes. He says if they will follow His lead, “I will show you how to fish for people!” (v17). Actually the folks who translate the ESV have a different take on our Savior’s words. “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men” (v17 ESV). If you think you’re a pro when it comes to fishing now, just wait until Jesus gets done with you!

Mark phrases it a little differently from Matthew (Mt 4:19) and Luke (Lk 5:10). He drops in a Greek word (Gr. γινομαι/ginomai) which means to be or become something. It emphasizes the long process involved in learning how to fish for people. It won’t happen overnight. Following Jesus places us in His process. It’s a process He promises He’ll finish (Phil 1:7).

Jesus Does the Heavy Lifting

In other words, all we have to do is hang with Jesus and He’ll do the rest. He’s the One doing the real work. He’s the One doing the heavy lifting. Our role in the process is to simply be obedient, simply do what He says. When we spend time with Him, hang out with Him, He’s the One who transforms us.

That’s what happens when we go His way. Jesus talks about it like a gardener over John’s Gospel. “Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). As branches, we don’t make anything unless we’re connected to the Vine. He’s the One that gets it done when we go this way.

You probably know what happens next. “And they left their nets at once and followed Him (v18).” Another example of things happening fast in Mark’s Gospel. Simon and Andy don’t waste any time. They take Jesus up on His offer. I can picture these two brothers chucking their gear and running home to pack.

Leaving the Family Business

Jesus doesn’t stop there. He moves on up the beach and has a similar conversation with another pair of commercial fishermen. James and his kid brother John are working for their dad Zebedee and fixing holes in their nets (v19). Well, not for long. Not when Jesus asks them to go this way.

“He called them at once, and they followed Him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men (v20).” Darned if Zeb’s boys didn’t bail on him to spend time with Jesus. Jim and Johnny didn’t just give up a career but turned their back on inheriting what appears to be a successful family business. Note that their dad has other employees.

The Rearview Mirror

Both sets of brothers leave something behind in order to hit the road with the Rabbi. Before we can follow Jesus, there’s a pretty chance we need to put something in the rearview mirror. Simon and Andy leave their nets and their careers. Jim and Johnny turn their backs on success in business.

When I walk His way, I need to put something down. And it’s probably something significant. Something big. Something of value. Something that has the potential to compete with affection for Jesus.

Distracted Discipleship

Have I left everything behind? Have I dropped it all in order follow my Savior? You’ve heard of distracted driving. We’re talking about distracted discipleship. I need to dump anything that might distract me.

What could possibly steal my focus from Him? Well, let’s take a look around. Maybe it’s a destructive habit? How about a hobby that’s gotten out of control? The drive for success, money, and security? It might even be a relationship you know is wrong and would lead you farther from where God wants you to go.
 
What am I trying to drag along with me while I follow Jesus? It’s a good idea to travel light when I go His way. I can’t let anything slow me down. Don’t worry about what you abandon. Christ came to give His followers “a rich and satisfying life” (Jn 10:10). When I leave stuff behind, He has something so much better to replace it.

Hitting the Road

All four fishermen become Jesus’ first followers. In both descriptions, Mark uses the same word we translate as “followed” (Gr. ακολουθεω/akoloutheo). It describes accompanying another and allowing them to determine the direction. It’s going behind someone who takes the lead. They’re going His way.

Interestingly, this comes from a root word meaning a road or journey. If that’s the case, being a follower paints a picture of a traveling partner. Few things deepen a friendship more than hitting the road with a buddy. It really doesn’t get any better when that buddy is Jesus.

The Back Story

I have to admit there was something that has always bugged me about these “Come, follow Me” Jesus stories. Anybody else think it’s just a little weird that four dedicated, hardworking commercial fishermen would ditch their careers just like that? Some random Rabbi makes a crazy offer out of left field and you chuck it all just like that in order to walk this way!

Well, as we said before, Mark’s story moves quickly. He’s not much for details. John’s Gospel helps us fill in the back story. You see, Jesus had met at least a couple of these guys before (Jn 1:35-42). Andrew was a follower of John the Baptizer (Jn 1:40). And given the way John never names Andy’s fellow disciple, he probably was too.

After the two hang out with Jesus for a bit, Andy gets his big brother Simon and brings him to meet the One he believes in the long promised Messiah (Jn 1:41). Andy has this habit of bringing of bringing people to meet Jesus (Jn 6:8-9; 12:22). Not a bad rep, huh?

The First Four

So when we read the story on the shore of with Jesus and the four fishermen, we need to remember they already had a relationship. They already knew each other. When Christ was ready to build His team, He knew exactly who to ask. These two pairs of brothers would be the first four to go this way. They’ll eventually have another eight guys on the team.

The Original Rocky

Jesus gives Simon the nickname Peter which actually means Rocky (Jn 1:42). As the Christ’s original first round draft pick, Pete becomes the leader of the Discipling Dozen. Unfortunately, Rocky crumbles under pressure and denies Jesus three times at the very worst time.

But in one of the great examples of grace you’ll ever see, the Lord restores Pete after His resurrection (Jn 21:15-18). And what are Jesus’ last words of restoration to this former fisherman as they walk along this very same beach? “Follow Me” (Jn 21:19).

There’s also an important connection to Rocky and Mark’s story of Jesus. One of the earliest church pastors says Mark’s Gospel is actually Peter’s eyewitness account of what it was like to say “yes” to Christ’s question, “Are you gonna go My way?”

Two Thousand Years Later

Fast forward a couple of thousand years. Jesus is still extending that same offer. The offer to follow. If we take Him up on it, there’s a good chance we need to do something first. We need to leave something behind. In order to go His way, we need to put something down.

It’s a decision we need to make each day. Are we going to follow Him diligently and without distraction? If so, what do I need to ditch? I promise you, whatever He gives you is WAY better than what you put down. You will not regret it.

So, Jesus has a question for us. Are we gonna go His way?

Going the Distance

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2Tim 4:7).

Yo, Adrian!

Confession time. I have a soft spot for “Rocky” movies. Long before the mumbling Philly street fighter morphed into a multi-billion dollar motion picture franchise, Sly Stallone created the original Oscar-winning film about the ultimate underdog.

There’s a pivotal scene in the first flick where Balboa admits to his girlfriend Adrian that he has no chance to beat the champ (as well as any thought of a sequel!). But he holds out one sliver of a dream.

“All I wanna do is go the distance. Nobody’s ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I’m still standin’, I’m gonna know for the first time in my life, see that I weren’t just another bum from the neighborhood.”

SPOILER ALERT! (Please tell me you’ve seen the original “Rocky.” For Pete’s sake, it came out in 1976!). The Italian Stallion is still standing at the end of the fight. He may have lost, but he went the distance. Yo, Adrian!

From Assassin to Apostle

There’s another story of someone who went the distance. Someone who you fought hard right to the end. Someone who left nothing in the tank when he crossed the finish line. Someone who kept his eyes on the prize no matter what came his way.

We’re talking about Paul. That’s right, the Apostle Paul. The former Pharisee and one-time enemy of Jesus who’s the subject of one of the greatest turnarounds in history. The resurrected Christ transforms him from assassin into apostle. From murderer into martyr. From trying to kill the followers of the Rabbi/Carpenter into dying for Him too.

After the resurrected Jesus blindsided him at high noon outside Damascus, Paul dedicated his life to telling everyone he met about God’s mind-blowing offer of mercy and grace through His Son. The apostle traveled the known world spreading that very Good News and planting churches.

This mission was anything but pleasure cruise. We’re talking jail, beatings, torture, stoning, shipwrecks, death threats, lack of sleep, hungry, thirsty, hot, and cold. Paul may have been beaten up but not beaten down. He never stopped fighting. He never stopped running. He never lost faith.

Like Rocky, Paul went the distance.

Paul’s Three-Punch Combination

He also wrote important letters of instruction to these new communities of believers which we’ve saved and collected in a little something we like to call the New Testament. In his very last letter, the man from Tarsus writes to a young preacher named Timothy (2Tim 1:1-2). Paul’s on Death Row in Rome (2Tim 1:16; 2:9; 4:6-7). He hands the ball of ministry to his protege (2Tim 2:1-4:5) and hopes for one last visit (2Tim 4:9, 21).

That’s the scene as the camera zooms in on Paul. Behind bars once again. He’s pouring out the last drops his life in sacrifice to his Savior (2Tim 4:6). Like a fighter throwing a jab, hook, and uppercut, the apostle then delivers a three-punch combination as he looks back at his life just before the final bell.

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith” (v7). Paul’s given it everything. He’s left it all on the field. He’s got nothing left in the tank. He knows that the cause was worth it all. And he’s still standing.

He went the distance.

A literal translation of the apostle’s words from Greek to English sounds more like something from another big time movie franchise. “The good fight I have fought. The race I have finished. The faith I have kept.” Call it the Yoda Intergalactic Translation. You almost expect next thing Paul to say is “Do or do not. There is no try.”

Max Effort

Let’s use the super-slomo and take dissect Paul’s impressive three punches. First he writes, “I have fought the good fight” (v7). In doing so, he doesn’t want there to be any doubt about the effort involved. He uses the verb “fought” (Gr. αγωνιζομαι/agonizomai) which means to participate in a contest in the public arena, contend for a prize, struggle incredibly hard against an opponent, fight the enemy with everything you’ve got.

It seems clear that our man Paul is a First Century sports fan. He uses this very same language when writing to the Corinthian church as he compares following Jesus to the intense preparation of an Olympic athlete. “Everyone who competes in the games (Gr. αγωνιζομαι/agonizomai) goes into strict training” (1Cor 9:25 NIV). We’re talking the same kind fierce focus and devotion to our Savior as folks like Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt had to their sport.

Think I’m exaggerating? We get our words “agonize” and “agony” from the term the apostle drops. As a matter of fact, “fight” is actually the very similar word αγων/agon. While it certainly can mean any struggle, contest, game, race, or conflict. But it also paints a picture of a big crowd filling a stadium or arena watching a contest or game, an arena, stadium.

The Athlete in the Arena

In other words, Paul’s agonizing battle has been a very public struggle. The NT is chockfull of times when the apostle’s mission to tell people about Jesus puts him at the center of citywide unrest and riots. Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:44-50). Iconium (Acts 14:2-6). Lystra (Acts 14:19). Philippi (Acts 16:19-24). Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-9). Berea (Acts 17:12). Corinth (Acts 18:12-17). Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41). Even in Jerusalem (Act 21:27-36)!

What a great reminder that while our faith in Jesus is personal, it is anything BUT private. Living for the Lord means living out loud. Like Paul, “agonizing the good agony” means swimming upstream in the swift current of our culture. It’s going to be hard. Much of the time we’re going to look different, sound different, and act very differently from the folks around us. Here’s the deal. Following Jesus will make us look weird to the world at times. There will be spectators as we fight the good fight but this is anything BUT a spectator sport!

Don’t make the mistake of thinking this is all about Paul’s superhuman effort to leave it all on the playing field. Over in a letter to believers in Colossae, he makes it clear that Jesus is the supernatural source of his strength. “For this I toil, struggling (Gr. αγωνιζομαι/agonizomai) with all His energy that He powerfully works in me” (Col 1:29). Oh, the struggle IS real. And our Savior gives us His strength to fight.

Fight the RIGHT Fight

Notice that the apostle has “fought THE GOOD fight” (v7 emphasis added). It’s not just any fight. Not “a” fight. He’s not simply walking around with a hair trigger looking to throw down at a moment’s notice. This is THE fight. It is the GOOD fight. It is the RIGHT fight.

In other words, Paul has wasted his time and energy on stuff that doesn’t matter. I wish I could say the same. Too often I get distracted by things that have no eternal value. I allow myself to get sucked into silly and meaningless skirmishes that steal my strength from what God calls me to do.

How about you? Do fight stupid little battles that pull you away from the real war? Do you major in the minors? Just a reminder of the mission Jesus has given us. Love God. Love others. The Lord said so much Himself (Mt 22:37-40; Mk 12:29-31). As a matter of fact, He says our love for each other lets the world know exactly Whom we follow (Jn 13:34-35). Just before He headed home to Heaven, Christ commanded us to make sure we tell everyone we meet all about His message of grace and goodness (Mt 28:19-20).

Failing to Fight

Then there’s my little problem of failing to fight at all. Too often it’s just too much trouble. Passivity has been a problem in my family for a VERY long time. It goes back to my first father Adam failing to put up his dukes when a talking snake started whispering sweet nothings to his wife (Gen 3:1-7).

Too many times I follow in Adam’s footsteps and fail to fight for what’s right. Fight to pray with my wife. Fight to tell my kids about Jesus. Fight to spend quality time with those I love. Fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. For Pete’s sake, at least the Beastie Boys fight for their right to party. I must be intentional and get off my blessed assurance to fight for what has eternal value.

Fight. Don’t just fight any fight. Fight the right fight. Fight the good fight. Fight to the final bell.

Go the distance.

Kicking to the Finish Line

The second punch in Paul’s furious final combination actually takes us out of the squared circle and onto the track. “I have finished the race” (v7). Picture highlights from SportsCenter. It’s the end of the Olympic marathon. The winner lays it all out in one final and unrestrained race to the tape. Paul’s words are NOT describing some runner who’s barely broken a sweat who’s high stepping to victory. Not in the least. We’re talking crossing the finish line and immediately collapsing.

Once again, the apostle pulls an image from the sports world. He uses the word “race” (Gr. δρομοις/dromos), which can specifically mean a race course, a running track, or generally describe a mission or any activity that involves continual and serious effort.

When Paul and his team rolled into what we know now as Turkey for the first time, he told folks there that just before John the Baptizer “was finishing his course (Gr. δρομοις/dromos),” the prophet made it clear that he was NOT the Hero God has promised (Acts 13:25).

Years later, the apostle hustles together a quick meet-up with the Ephesian church leaders. He makes it clear that he’ll give it everything he’s got to keep spreading the Good News. “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course (Gr. δρομοις/dromos) and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

Running the Obstacle Course

Life is much more like a marathon than a sprint. It’s the ultimate endurance race. Sure, there will be times to pick up the pace, but this race is all about stamina. Think of those extreme obstacle courses with all sorts of hurdles and barriers. You have to run through water, slog through mud pits, climb ropes, and crawl under barbed wire.

That pretty much describes life for most of us. It’s an endless series of obstacles. There are the little bumps like sick kids, car repair, and broken water heater. There are those massive mud pits like job loss, bankruptcy, disease, and death of a loved one. American Ninja Warrior looks like a little kid’s Slip-n-Slide compared to the obstacle course called life.

Life Comes at You Fast

There’s one huge difference between these extreme tracks and our time here on the planet. You really can’t quit life. Oh, you might give up and sit down between the barbed wire and rope climb. But that doesn’t push pause on existence. Whether you’re moving or not, the folks at Nationwide nailed it. Life comes at you fast. Very fast.

Paul is a great example of just how quickly life moves. One minute he’s on a black ops mission to snuff out Jesus’ followers in Damascus. The next he’s on mission as one of them. From that point on, he put his head down and took on every obstacle life through his way. He may be locked up on Death Row at the end of his life, but he’s sprinting to the finish.

Jesus’ Finish Line

With the checkered flag in sight, the apostle knows his race and finish is actually based on the one run by his Savior. It’s interesting that Paul uses the very same word for
“finished” (Gr. τελεω/teleo) that Jesus shouted from the cross at Calvary. “It is finished (Gr. τελεω/teleo)!” (Jn 19:30). For you grammar nerds out there (yeah, I know who you are!) both of them are in the perfect tense. It’s the second person perfect active τετελεκα/teteleka in 2 Timothy. Meanwhile over in John, we see the third person perfect passive of τετελεσται/tetelestai.

In the ultimate act of love, Jesus successfully breaks the tape of performance in our behalf. He perfectly fulfills every one of His Father’s commands that we failed to follow. Christ defeats the obstacle course of obedience that kicked our tails. If that’s not enough, He paid the full brunt of our punishment for that disobedience. The cross was more than a place of Roman execution. It was also Jesus’ finish line.

Go the distance.

Playing by the Rules

Step back into the ring with Paul during the final round and check out the knockout blow. Here’s the third punch of his Christ-following combination. “I have kept the faith” (v7). The apostle wants Tim to know that he’s played by the book. He’s followed the rules. No low blows. No cheap shots. Don’t mistake his intensity for a willingness to take short cuts or play dirty.

We’ve already seen how the man from Tarsus has placed his trust in who Jesus is and what He has done. Paul writes here that in the last days on this side of eternity, he has complete confidence in Christ. The practical application of that faith trusting in what the Lord tells him to do. As the Lord, He’s the Boss.

Weak Faith in a Strong Object

I express my trust in Him by doing what He tells me to do in the strength that He provides. Will I fail? Will I stumble? Will I fall flat on my face? You betcha. But Jesus gives me the mercy and grace I find nowhere else to keep on keeping on.

We’re able to remain faithful because of our Savior’s unshakable faithfulness. Earlier in this very same little letter, Paul drops the lyrics to a First Century worship tune which goes a little something like this…
“If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him;
If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He will deny us;
If we are faithless, He remains faithful
For He cannot deny Himself” (2Tim 2:11-13).

Building to Code

In other words, it’s not so much about the strength of our faith. It’s ALL about the strength of the object of our faith. There’s better one in whom to place our trust than God. That’s how He earned the nickname of “the Rock of our Salvation” (Ps 89:26; 95:1). Grab hold of that Rock. He’s not going anywhere!

Jesus made a point of saying that doing what He says is the best way to prepare for the storms of life. He compares practical application to the wise dude who built his house into the bedrock. The hurricane hit the home “but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock” (Mt 7:25). You could say that he built it according to code. He played by the rules.

The Buffet at Golden Corral

To often I pick and choose the commands I want to keep. It’s like I think I know better than God. There I go listening to the whispers of the satanic snake just like my first mom did (Gen 3:4). Following Jesus means obeying what He says. It’s not like picking only your favorite from the buffet at Golden Corral. On a related note, do you think there’s a Chocolate Wonderfall in Heaven? But I digress.

Paul has come to realize that God’s commands actually bring joy and blessing instead of stealing it. They’re guard rails on the narrow road. Here at the end of his life, he has played by the rules. He has lived obediently. He has kept the faith. He has kept it to the very end.

Go the distance.

A Life Well Lived

As the apostle looks back, he sees a life well lived. “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith” (v7). He fought for the right cause and left it all on the field. He ran the obstacle course God placed in front of him and crossed the finish line. He played by the rules, trusting in the goodness of God in the process.

What about me? Am I fighting the good fight?  Will I fight to the last bell?
Am I running the race with everything I have no matter what comes my way? Will I run through the finish line? Am I keeping the faith? Will I continue to trusting in Jesus until I see Him face to face?

Let’s turn Paul’s words into a daily prayer. Lord Jesus, give me the strength today to fight the good fight. Give me the endurance to finish the race whenever that day may come. Give me a willing heart of obedience to love God and love people.

Christ, allow me the privilege to go the distance. Just like Rocky. Just like Paul.