When you tell God you quit. After the death of Jesus, Peter quit. He abandoned three years of ministry with the Son of God and returned to fishing. But Jesus wasn’t finished with him yet. Here’s what we learn from the encounter.
When you tell God you quit. He meets you where you are.
After the death and resurrection of Jesus, everything went crazy. Jesus, the one that held everything together was gone and no one knew what to do. Fear gripped them. Would the leaders who crucified Jesus come after them too? So, all the disciples of Jesus scattered.
In John 21:3-19, Peter quits and returns to the familiar. Fishing. Because…well, isn’t that what we do when we lose our bearings? Our safety feels threatened? Go back to what makes us feel safe and secure like comfort food?
Fishing was an honest trade and a sensible fallback plan. Except when you follow Jesus, what we consider sensible is not always how he leads. But rather, pushing into the uncomfortable and unfamiliar. Because he wants us to trust him and exercise faith.
And even when we mess it up, he comes after us to restore our relationship with him.
That’s what he did with Peter.
When you tell God you quit. He challenges your thinking
There’s something familiar about the scene in John 21:3-19. Because it’s a repeat of Jesus’ first encounter with Peter recorded in Luke 5:1-11. Peter was cleaning his fishing nets nearby as Jesus preached to a crowd on the beach. And Jesus asked Peter if he could use his boat as a preaching platform. They pushed the boat into the water and Jesus sat and taught the beach crowd. And when Jesus finished, he told Peter to put out to deep water and let down his nets.
A bit audacious for an itinerant preacher to tell an experienced fisherman how to fish. I can imagine Peter smiling at Jesus a bit condescendingly. “Dude, you’re a preacher and I’m an experienced fisherman. I won’t tell you how to preach. Don’t tell me how to fish.”
But he didn’t. Why not? Perhaps there was something about Jesus that compelled Peter to do what he said. A sense that Jesus was beyond ordinary. And his thoughts were higher than Peter’s thoughts. So Peter complied and the huge catch of fish nearly broke the nets.
And you wonder. How could an itinerant preacher know better than a seasoned fisherman where the fish were and how to find them?
He didn’t have to. Jesus simply commanded the fish where to swim. It made Peter a believer and he immediately left everything and followed Jesus.
When you tell God you quit. He revisits your calling and demands your commitment.
There were times as a pastor in church ministry when I wanted to quit. Because I was discouraged by failure. Treated unfairly. And questioned my calling. Ever been there?
But I remember the wise counsel of a mentoring pastor: Whenever you doubt your call and think of quitting, go back to the moment you first sensed God’s call. And that’s exactly what Jesus does with Peter. He revisits the scene of Peter’s original call to ministry. And once again, the nets almost tore apart with a huge catch of fish.
But Jesus goes further by demanding Peter’s commitment. “Peter, do you love me? Then feed my sheep.” And after repeating the question and demand for commitment two more times, the point was clear.
Jesus doesn’t suggest we try him out like sampling ice cream flavors before a purchase. He doesn’t offer unlimited “you are blessed” passes for a pain free Christian experience. In fact, he tells Peter that his commitment will include a cost. And the same may be true for us.
What Jesus wants to know is this: Are you all in?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. It’s a popular Bible story although the whale gets too much attention. And is it really a whale? Because scripture just calls it a great fish. But here are some lessons from the story.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. The real story is about God’s love, grace, and forgiveness
The great fish plays a support role in the book of Jonah. Essentially, a motivational tool God uses for Jonah’s compliance. Yet, somehow, it grabs all the attention. At least, the paper whale my Sunday School teacher used when telling the story took up most of the flannel board.
However, the real story is about God’s love, grace and forgiveness. It reminds us of His desire that we all enter His eternal kingdom. And the measures He takes to show us the way.
But wait. Last week’s blog looked at Numbers 31. And in that story, God used Israel to execute vengeance against the Midianites. But now, He gives the Ninevites a chance to repent? How do you explain that?
I can’t. Although my best guess is God knew the Ninevites would repent when given the opportunity but the Midianites would not.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. Running from God is a bad idea.
But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. (ESV, Jonah 1:3)
Jonah was a prophet. An Old Testament preacher. So when God acknowledged the evil in Nineveh, He told Jonah to go and preach repentance to them. Should have been a no brainer. First bullet point on his prophet’s job description. But Jonah took off running instead. And you’re thinking…most preachers can’t wait to get behind a pulpit. What’s up with Jonah?
However, running from God is a bad idea. Adam and Eve tried it in the Garden of Eden when they realized they were naked and hid. When God called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses doubted his leadership ability and ran to the wilderness. And Jonah caught a ship sailing to Tarshish. But none of these escape plans worked.
God fashioned clothes for Adam and Eve. He caught up to to Moses in the wilderness and appeared to him in a burning bush. And He gave Jonah a three day ride inside a living, oceanic submersible along with a complimentary stomach wash.
Why did Jonah run? He confesses it later. He didn’t want to preach to the Ninevites because he considered them awful people who should be destroyed rather than saved. But he admitted God was merciful, gracious, and abounding in steadfast love. Therefore, if the Ninevites repented of their sin, God would forgive them.
And that’s what happened. Jonah preached, the people of Nineveh repented, and God forgave them. A happy ending for the people of Nineveh and the Kingdom of God, but not for Jonah. He went off and pouted. But that’s a different lesson for another day.
For today, the lesson is to think twice about running if God calls you to something you don’t want to do. Obedience and trusting God for the results is a better choice.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. Repentance leads to restoration.
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (ESV, Romans 10:13)
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (ESV, Luke 15:20)
God desires for all of us to be saved. Jesus Christ was His provision and God eagerly embraces us when we turn to Him. But that is a choice we all must individually make. Repent and become a child of God. Reject Him and be lost forever.
It is a recurring theme in both the Old and New Testament. When sinners repent, God forgives and restores. And the story of Jonah clearly demonstrates it. Along with God’s love and grace.
But there’s another lesson too. Followers of Jesus Christ are called as co-laborers in kingdom work. To also proclaim repentance. Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And serve where opportunities present themselves. It’s not a have to, but a get to. Where God gets the glory and we get the blessing.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Enjoy Humorous Christian Books?
The whale image used for this blog is a cartoon illustration out of my book Family Stew. Each chapter begins with a professionally drawn, cartoon illustration. It’s a collection of stories from the days of our young family along with summary thoughts from a Christian perspective.
When God’s vengeance seems extreme is demonstrated in Numbers 31. On my way reading through the entire Bible I recently encountered this story. And I confess it is a little unsettling. My loving God. Gracious and merciful is also an avenging God? Here are some thoughts on a Bible story that is difficult to explain.
When God’s vengeance seems extreme. It’s not a secret. God claims and executes vengeance.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. (ESV, Romans 12:19)
God stands in for the weak, the vulnerable, and the innocent. And those who perpetrate evil against them will one day pay for it. Most people agree that is appropriate justice. And perhaps, take comfort in knowing that evil perpetrators like Hitler, Stalin, and others who have unleashed death and suffering on so many won’t get away with it.
But the story in Numbers 31 is different. Because God used the nation of Israel to execute vengeance against the Midianites. God pronounced judgement on the Midianites because they were trying to lead Israel away from its Hebrew God and into idol worship. So, God told Moses to send Israel’s army to attack them.
Wow! Didn’t see that coming. At first, Israel’s army killed all the men and left the women and children. But in the end, they only spared the young, virgin girls. But to be fair, God used other surrounding nations to attack and punish Israel too.
When God’s vengeance seems extreme. God directs His vengeance toward sin
God loves us but cannot tolerate sin. It is the source of evil on earth. And within our hearts. We are wholly infected by it, doomed by it, and unable to fix it. And none of this sounds very promising or hopeful for us.
Furthermore, scripture warns of a final judgment and punishment for sin. However, Jesus Christ sacrificed himself on a cross and paid the penalty for sin. And those who believe in Jesus by faith, confess their sin, and seek forgiveness will receive God’s grace instead
It’s also reassuring to know that God is Sovereign. He is in firm control of the world and moving it towards an eternal plan. Therefore, He orchestrates both good and evil to serve His purpose. It includes a new heaven and earth. Life without sin. And a renewed relationship between God and His followers.
When God’s vengeance seems extreme. Accept God for who He is and not who you want Him to be.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. (ESV, Isaiah 55:8)
Scripture describes God in His fullness. He is a God of love, compassion, and grace. But also, justice, vengeance, and, oh yeah, jealous when we pursue other gods.
He avenges the harm done to the defenseless. Expects justice from us and demands we all give an account.
So, how do we explain this God?
Well, we could create a version of God that is more palatable. Like a one dimensional, jolly old Saint Nick who only hands out presents and goodwill. Or perhaps, claim moral superiority and reject Him. Because of course, we would never consider doing any of the horrific things described in the Bible. Or maybe we just tip toe around those uncomfortable Biblical stories that are hard to explain.
But a clear picture requires viewing God in His entirety. An infinite, almighty God with infinite complexities and nuances. While we are finite and will never fully understand Him. But we can seek to know Him as He is revealed in scripture. Which, by the way, is also brutally honest. Because it sees and describes humanity and the world honestly in all of its violent reality.
And yet, it still offers a powerful message of hope!
When God’s vengeance seems extreme. God’s love, grace, and mercy prevails
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)
Sin separates us from God and ultimately, leads to judgment. But because of His love, God made a provision for us. He sent Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to pay the penalty for our sin. Therefore, everyone who believes in and trusts Jesus is redeemed from sin. And at the time of judgment, God will extend grace instead of punishment.
That is the message of the Gospel. And it’s a beacon of hope throughout the Bible. Because of Jesus, we can experience the real power of spiritual transformation.
God will forever remain who He is. We, however, will be forever changed.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
God’s promise to his people in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a popular and frequently discussed Bible verse. Here are some lessons it offers us today.
God’s promise to his people. Keep it in proper context.
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 7:14)
It took around seven years for King Solomon to build God’s temple described in 2 Chronicles 3-6. And the dedication service for it described in chapter seven featured animal sacrifices and celebrations that lasted seven days. It concluded with a solemn assembly where Solomon offered a prayer of dedication to God. And God responded with a promise to Solomon and the people of Israel.
God spoke the promise directly to King Solomon and specifically mentioned the people of Israel. They were the only ones considered “His people” at the time. Therefore, we should not pull it from that historical context and arbitrarily apply it to the United States in a like manner.
The promise alludes to Israel’s history of faithfulness and unfaithfulness. They had a pattern of turning away from God and returning when things went bad for them. Therefore, the promise was conditional to their faithfulness. And required action steps on their return. And while the promise itself is not meant for America, the prescription and spiritual benefits still apply.
God’s promise to his people begins with humility.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (ESV, Isaiah 53:6)
Humility is base camp. The launching pad for God’s promise. Both as individuals and a body of believers. And it involves honest, self-examination of our spiritual condition as a sinners before a Holy God. Through humility we recognize the absolute holiness of God. And that even in our best moments of righteousness, we stand unholy and condemned before Him.
However, Satan covers our eyes with the pride of self-righteousness. And the soft whisper that little sins are okay. Just beware of the big ones. Those committed by really bad people who aren’t like us.
And yet, all sins–even the little ones–are unacceptable to a perfect God. And they collect like a measles outbreak. Random spots at first that eventually cover from head to toe. But little sins collect steadily, although perhaps, slowly. Like a gentle current drifting away from the presence of God.
God’s promise to his people involves a prayerful pursuit of God.
A prayerful pursuit of God is intentional and requires daily care and regular attention. But it’s easy to neglect when things are going well. And simply coast on spiritual auto pilot.
However, this lulls us into complacency. And lets Satan quietly plant dandelions in our spiritual lawn. Weeds acting as flower posers that overrun the lawn and create an eyesore.
Therefore, the prayerful pursuit of God requires diligence. A regular routine of spiritual disciplines. Essential worship of the church body. And support and accountability in a community of believers. To form a body of Christ-followers that serve as a lighthouse to the community.
God’s promise to his people embraces repentance.
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. (ESV, Mark 1:15)
We often associate repentance with the emotion of feeling sorry. But it’s more than that. Because saying you’re sorry can be meaningful or meaningless words. Your actions that follow define which one.
The Greek word for “repent” in Mark 1:15 is mĕtanŏĕō, which means to think differently, reconsider, or feel compunction. And it involves an action. To turn from and turn towards. It requires exercising your will followed by purposeful actions that support it.
Furthermore, repentance is not a one time act. Because even God’s faithful people turn from and break God’s law. But when we confess our sin, repent, and turn back to God, He extends His grace and restores us.
God’s promise to his people includes hearing and healing.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (ESV, Ephesians 2:13)
The recipients of the Old Testament promise eagerly awaited the coming Messiah while today, we celebrate the saving work Jesus completed. Old Testament people looked ahead. New Testament people look back. But it’s towards the same, significant event. And in both cases, we must repent and seek God,
When we do, God’s promise is the same for everyone on both sides. He hears and spiritually heals. And it includes us all as God’s people.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group??
Who is a child of God? Are you? Am I? Although every human being is a unique creation, dearly loved by God, that doesn’t make us His child. Here are three Bible teachings on what it means to be a child of God and how to be in the family.
Who is a child of God? Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (ESV, John 1:14)
Jesus Christ is God’s only true child. Who scripture calls the Son of God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. And who was both fully God and man.
Jesus lived a perfect life, free from sin. Furthermore, he taught and demonstrated God’s love and compassion for all humanity. And how we should live in a manner that pleases the God. He died a sacrificial death on a Roman cross and rose from the grave three days later. And conquered the power of sin and death. Therefore, all who call on his name and follow him experience a spiritual transformation. And become a new creation.
Who is a child of God? You become a child of God by receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (ESV, John 1:12-13)
Every person is uniquely created and loved by God. But a child of God is more than that. Something different and unique. And it involves another step. An individual, decision and act of personal faith. And a spiritual transaction of believing in and receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
After this, God grants us a right to become a child of God.
But it is an unearned right on our part. Additionally granted and initiated by the will of God. And not because we deserve it. But because God desires it. However, it comes with extraordinary benefits. Because our severed relationship with God is restored to a new level of intimacy.
Who is a child of God? When you receive Jesus you are adopted into the family of God
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ… (ESV, Romans 8:16-17)
But you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father! (ESV, Romans 8:15)
As his children, God now invites us to call Him by a more familiar name. The Greek word Abba is the same word Jesus used when praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before his crucifixion. And it’s a designation of intimate respect. Because “God” is no longer the name that best describes our new relationship. Although correct, it seems stale and impersonal. Because He has moved us from strangers and made us family.
It’s an adoption where we’re granted full rights as children and heirs to eternal life. Our severed relationship with God is restored to a new level of intimacy. And we may call God, Heavenly Father with full privileges as family members. Rather than fear, it’s a relationship characterized by trust and a secure sense of destiny, purpose, and belonging.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group??
Three Bible Truths for a Godly life. God’s Word offers a healthy prescription for us to follow. And these three Bible truths help us follow in a Godly manner.
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (ESV, Micah 6:8)
Three Bible Truths for a Godly life. Do justice.
“That’s not fair!” We’ve all said it. Because there’s an inherent sense of right and wrong in all of us. Play fair. Share your toys. Treat others the way you want to be treated. The Hebrew word for justice is “mishpat” and means divinely righteous action. Or in today’s context, do the right thing. But what exactly does that mean? Because many people believe it all depends on the circumstances.
God’s Word, however, provides explicit instructions on God’s law–what he considers righteous behavior. And much of it is straightforward and ignores situational ethics. It’s found in the Ten Commandments, Old Testament instructions, and Jesus’ teachings along with other New Testament writers.
Therefore, we pursue righteousness and strive to imitate Jesus in order to show our devotion and love for God rather than earn good behavior points. As a result, it pleases God and creates a more harmonious and virtuous society.
Three Bible Truths for a Godly life. Love kindness
The Hebrew word for “kindness” is kheh´-sed and is also translated mercy, which I think better represents Christian teaching. Why? Because kindness offers benevolence and charity. But mercy offers it even when it’s undeserved. And includes exercising restraint and responding in kindness when provoked by others without cause.
Mercy is at the heart of the Gospel. As sinners, we deserve God’s punishment. But God affords us mercy through the saving work of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we in turn, should generously offer it to others.
This means giving people the benefit of the doubt when offended since we don’t know what difficulties they’re going through. To avoid knee jerk reactions. Show compassion. And consider walking in another person’s shoes. It acknowledges that we’re all guilty before God. And that none of us deserve it, but we all need mercy.
Three Bible Truths to guide your life. Walk humbly with your God.
We naturally compare ourselves to others. As if entrance to heaven is a moral test graded on a curve. And we get in by morally scoring higher than others. It’s an approach that naturally leads to pride. Because the higher our virtuous score is above others, the more we pat ourselves on the back for our moral superiority.
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Because our standard for comparison is not other people, but a perfectly holy and righteous God. And on that report card we all fall miserably short.
However, when we acknowledge our best efforts are as filthy rags before a perfectly, holy God the appropriate response is humility. And when we individually and corporately humble ourselves and seek salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ, God’s faithfulness follows. And we will be spiritually healed as individuals and as a people.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group??
Join my list and I'll notify you of new blog posts and send you a monthly newsletter. It features inspirational thoughts, writing tips, and a peek into writing projects. I'll also include my article: Exaggerate to Make Your Presentations Funny. It shows you how to punch up presentations with humor and make them more compelling.
