Don't Count On You

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Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

“ ‘I will strike the shepherd,

and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. Matthew 26:31-35

This may seem absurd that Peter told Jesus, who is God, who knows all... who is the author and finisher of his faith -that he wouldn’t do something that God already knew he was going to do.  Jesus was not speaking over Peter’s life.  He just knew what would come against Peter. 

“Simon, [Peter] Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. ³² But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”  Luke 22:31-32

Satan would sift Peter with Peter himself.   He would use Peter’s own understanding against him.  He would have Peter rely on his own mental capacities of will power, might, strength, intellect and so on... Things that would be sure to fail him because God was not empowering or guiding them.

Peter's understanding was boat with a hole as big as Jesus in it and as soon as it touched the water it was going to sink.
  

Yes, Peter lived with the Word of God.   Yes, Peter knew the Word of God.   Yet like us at times… Peter got caught up in himself.  Think when Israel got caught up in the moment and decided to go into battle without God... what happened?  They lost but when God did go with them int battle, it didn't matter how out numbered they were God gave them victory.

Satan, wants to us to unintentionally separate ourselves mentally from God who enables us to overcome.   Satan knows our weak esteems, fears, anxieties, pride, prejudices, and so on and when we aren't aware of what we are figuratively chasing or being chased by, we step right off our firm foundation, which causes us to stumble, trip and fall. 

“If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself.  In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.

Don’t be conceited, sure of your own wisdom. Instead, trust and reverence the Lord, and turn your back on evil; when you do that, then you will be given renewed health and vitality.” Proverbs 3:4-8

"This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts. What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of "Grace, grace to it!" Zechariah 4:6-7

Not submitting, humbling himself and drawing close to God robbed Peter of being empowered by God’s peace, assurance, grace that are included in His love.  Those things were there for Peter but he turned inward toward himself instead of towards God.  Can you think of a time when you have done this? What were the results? 

Do you remember what Jesus told Paul?

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9

We are not to be separate from God as Christians but find our fullness and completeness in God through submitting to God and seeing our need for God.

“God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.” Matthew 5:3

When we do this, it is no longer us but Christ within us doing the heavy spiritual lifting. We understand in the Spirit that it's Jesus who gives us LIFE and is our life.  Our existence isn't run by our understandings, fears, anxieties, imaginations, false hopes, frustrations, and so on but God who gives us peace, love, hope, joy, patience, faithfulness, contentment and so on.
 

As I was speaking about this with a brother in Christ, I saw a vision.  It was of a person lying down on their back where I could see the inside view of the stomach area.   The outer surface of the body/flesh had the appearance of charcoal wood and it was crumbling away in small cube like pieces to reveal the brilliant colors that translate Christ within.  I was then reminded of these two verses.

“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

"You are the light of the world-like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see.  Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all." Matthew 5:14-15   

 This question also came to mind later…

“Why do people put so much into what is perishing instead of letting go and letting God build up the soul man?"