BMen Devotional

Remove far from me falsehood and lying; (Proverbs 30:8)

One of my favorite passages of Scriptures comes from John, Chapter 21, primarily as I focus on Peter. Many of us remember that it was Peter that ran to the grave with John when the eleven were told of the resurrection (Luke 24:9-12; John 20:2-10). It seems to me that Peter ran because he was excited; maybe he had remembered the teachings of the scroll (what we know as the Old Testament) and Jesus telling them about His death and resurrection – we can’t know. What we do know is that Peter loved Jesus. Remember it had only been a few days earlier when Peter had said he’d do whatever it took to support Jesus (Matthew 26:35). I believe in his worldly heart, and to the best of his ability, Peter was being sincere. I believe that as he and John were running to the grave he was just a little bit hesitant (John 20:4) because he was remembering that upper room promise and his denials (John 18:15-18, 25-27; Matthew 26:58, 69-75). It wasn’t long after that that Peter was with six others fishing when Jesus appeared and told them to cast their net on the other side. When John told Peter it was Jesus, he clothed himself and jumped into the water (John 21:1-9) – that was over 100 yards from shore! What could he possibly have been thinking! We know that he eventually made it to shore because Scripture tells us that he climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore (John 21:11). At this point, it appears that Peter is not wanting to face Jesus. I liken that to the number of times that I have been in trouble and just didn’t want to face the consequences. I believe that Peter knows that this is far more serious than being disobedient to his parents, or boss though. I believe Peter has recalled his teachings and all that he saw during his walks with Jesus; he remembered Jesus’ transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36; Mark 9:2-10) on the mountain. I believe he remembered how he was able to walk out on the water by simply asking Jesus to call him out (Matthew 14:28-33). I believe Peter knows that this is more than just a man or a prophet and now he must face Him but he seems to be avoiding Jesus. Is that because of shame? I think so. Jesus can see and knows Peter’s heart. I wanted to share with you how the rest of this was told to me.

Years ago I went to a retreat where I was privileged to hear Mr Joe Dallas, as well as others, speak on sexual purity. I’ve heard a lot of explanations for the verses in John 21:15-17, trying to address why Jesus asked Peter three times did he love Him; none of the explanations pierced my heart and thoughts quite like Mr. Dallas gave. These verses portray just the third time that Jesus appeared to a number of people after His resurrection. In essence, we get a microscopic view of Jesus’ love in spite of our sin. Jesus knew that Peter loved Him. Mr. Dallas used the analogy of masks. You see, each one of us has our own mask; we want people to see the best in us but that is based on our very best actions, our very best efforts. I believe Jesus saw and knew the “love” that Peter had; a conditional love that had boundaries but Peter did not confess it. The first two times that Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, He was asking Peter if he had complete, unconditional, agape love for Him. I believe Peter wanted to have that perfect love (Matthew 5:43-48) but I believe he knew and he certainly knew that Jesus knew (Luke 20:60-62). That’s why Peter answered both times you know my limitations and you know that I have the deepest brotherly love (phileo) I can have. Jesus gave him two chances to keep that mask on but I believe that Peter was truly broken. It’s almost as though I can hear Peter say the first time, “You know I love you but I’m not sure I can do what you did. I cannot face the scorn and criticism you faced.” And then the second time I can almost hear Peter say, “You know I love you but I know that I cannot face the horrible, shameful death that you faced.” When Jesus asked him the third time if he loved Him, He was asking Peter if he really had that deep brotherly, phileo, love. The Scripture says that Peter was grieved (v17). Some would read arrogance into that; perhaps even I did at one time. That kind of arrogance in unspoken voice would say, “Man! I’ve told you twice I love you. What do I have to do to prove that?!” I don’t read that arrogance there today. I believe Peter was grieved because as the Scripture says, Jesus was no longer asking Peter if he had that deep, abiding, unconditional love that he once “masked” in the upper room but was now asking Peter if he had that deep brotherly love. Peter confessed that he not only came up short but acknowledged that Jesus “knows everything” (v17); total and complete surrender took place.

You might be asking, so what does all of this have to do with your key passage (Proverbs 30:8). My devotional today came from Proverbs 30:5-9. As I read those verses, that one verse jumped out at me; specifically the word, “falsehood.” That word is intended to convey a whole lot more than just “deceptiveness.” Now don’t get me wrong, I’m no Hebrew scholar but I do know how to use my Interlinear Bible and the Hebrew word transliterated as Shaaw°[1] literally means, “desolating; evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, objective; also adverbially, in vain)[2].” You see, once I’m willing to take off my masks and once I’m willing to be real, then God can truly use me as His servant. I’d love to know what Peter was thinking when Jesus concluded their conversation by telling Peter that when he was younger (and I do believe He’s referring to Peter’s Spiritual life) he walked, dressed, and acted just like all the other folks in the Church but now that he is growing Spiritually, he would die a martyr’s death (John 21:18). I believe Peter thought just as Paul when Paul said, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword” (Romans 8:31-36)?

First Baptist Church of La Plata

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BMen Devotional