“Peter – Hungering And Thirsting For Righteousness“
[By Kathleen Chatot]
The apostle Peter is one of the greatest stories of a changed life in the bible. Peter may have been the most outspoken of the twelve apostles in Jesus’ ministry. He certainly became one of the boldest witnesses for the faith.
Peter was originally named Simon, but Jesus changed his name to Peter (Cephas – John 1:42), which means “rock” or literally Petra. He was a Galilean fisherman and the brother of Andrew. The brothers came from the village of Bethsaida. Peter, like all human beings, was a sinful man. In fact, he was ashamed of his sinfulness in the presence of Jesus’ miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5:6-8). Peter, after witnessing it, fell at Jesus’ knees saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (NKJV).
Fishermen at that time were gruff, unkempt, vile, shabby dressed, and often used vulgar language. Theirs was a rough life since fishing was a physically demanding job. They were fearless also, because some of the storms that came quickly on the Sea of Galilee were fierce and furious. These storms could easily capsize the boat they used, which would have been 20-30 feet long.
Peter was always opening his mouth and inserting his foot, but one thing you could say about Peter was that when Jesus told them (Peter and brother Andrew) to “follow Me”, they simply walked away and left everything they had without a second thought (Luke 5:10-11). Consider what this meant that they left everything – all of the fishing boats, fishing nets, and all the accessories that came with their trade. Who today would leave all and follow?
When one considers the beatitude, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6, NKJV) Peter shows this attitude in many facets of his life.
Peter was bold and once he even rebuked the Lord, (Mathew 16:21-22) because Jesus began to show to His disciples that he must suffer many things and be killed. Peter said, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” (NKJV). Imagine telling Jesus – Who is eternal, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” which Peter just announced earlier (Matthew 16:16, NKJV) – that this would not happen to him. Truly a BOLD move!!!
As said, Peter was the first to call Jesus the Son of the Living God – the Messiah, (Mark 8:29). Willing to die for Jesus after he was told he would deny Christ three times, (Matthew 26:35). After Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Another knee jerk move. Later on, that same night as Peter followed where they were taking Jesus, Peter was recognized as a follower, but would not admit that he knew Jesus. After the third denial, the rooster crowed and Jesus turned to look at Peter and immediately Peter went out and wept bitterly (Luke 22:60-61). This episode shows two extreme emotions. One of flagrant denial, and the other bitter sorrow.
Peter was an eyewitness to the Transfiguration when he saw Jesus’s humanity peeled back to reveal the glory of His Divinity (Matthew 17:5). Impetuously (another side of Peter’s personality), he announced that they should make three tents, one for Moses, one for Elijah, and one for Jesus. Having a few days camping and chit chatting was not going to happen. This moment helped solidify Jesus’ true identity. Here we see a glimpse of recognition of saints in the heavenly realm.
After Jesus fed the 5,000, he told the disciples to get into their boats and head to the other side of the lake (Matthew 14:12-36). Later, Jesus walked on the water to join up with their boats. Peter got out of the boat to meet up with Jesus, but because the wind was boisterous, he was afraid, began to sink and called out to Jesus. Jesus came to rescue Peter, but not without saying to Peter, “Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (NKJV).
There are many firsts that Peter was given by the Lord. Peter was the first one to preach on the Day of Pentecost to open the gates for Jews (Acts 2), Samaritans (Acts 8), and proclaim Christ to Gentiles in the house of Cornelius (Acts 10).
He was put in prison for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus, told not to speak of Jesus again, only to boldly go out in the streets to preach Christ regardless of the threats against him. – “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29, NKJV).
In Galatians 2:11-21, Peter was rebuked for gradually beginning to withdraw from eating with the Gentile Christians and ate with Jewish Christians, for he feared these Jews. Classic peer pressure and hypocrisy shown here on Peter. Even as an adult, one can be drawn away by wanting to be accepted, or popular.
Peter rebuked Ananias and Sapphira for lying to the Holy Spirit. – “Why has Satan filled your heart… You have not lied to men, but God” (Acts 5:3-4, NKJV). They lied and they died.
Again, Peter takes a stand with Simon, called the sorcerer, when he saw that the laying on of the apostles’ hands, the Holy Spirit was given and offered them money for this power. Peter told him that, “Your money perish with you… your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness…” (Acts 8:20-22, NKJV). Peter never had trouble telling people what they needed to hear.
In Galatians 2, the tables were turned, and Paul had to rebuke Peter to his face in front of all who were around. Peter gradually withdrew himself from eating with the Gentile Christians and ate with the Jewish Christians, for he feared these Jews. Classic peer pressure and hypocrisy was shown and it even led away other Jews to play the hypocrite, so that even Barnabas was affected.
Peter went from rough, gruff, a man’s man, fisherman of fish, to be a fisherman of people.
We can see in John 21:15-17 (NKJV), that Jesus questioned Peter, “…do you love Me?”, and that is asked of him three times by the Lord. Each time Peter answers, “Yes, Lord; You know I love You.” And each time Jesus tells Peter to, “Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep.”
In John 21:18, Jesus adds that when Peter was younger, “you… walked where you wished; but when you are old…” – indicating that he will live to be old – “…another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish” (NKJV). A peek into his death that will Glorify God. Then Jesus’ last words said to Peter were the same as the first words, “…follow Me” (Vs. 22, NKJV).
Peter’s personality was like a roller coaster. Up and down, all around, but as said, he was an outspoken leader for the Lords Kingdom. He became a pillar for the church with his strength, and courage. Peter Hungered and thirsted for righteousness, and the promise is, he will be filled.
Peter’s life has inspired me to continue working, even when I have to take my old foot out of my mouth. Thank you, God, for Peter.