From Weakness, Strength

The book “Songs of the Deliverer” tells the story of Christ re-imagined in modern day. The book is a work of fiction but the stories and characters are based on the New Testament. These Reflections are written to highlight the Biblical pericopes featured in the second book of the series, Faith Wins, to be published in 2016.

Referenced in Chapter 4

Jesus tells us that he is strongest when we are at our weakest:

“My grace will suffice, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

We all display weakness in our lives and we pray for Jesus to strengthen us in times of weakness. But what about someone who continually demonstrates their weakness? What about a person like this:

  • Who was so mistaken, he was referred to as the devil: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me.” (Matthew 16:23)
  • Who was told to not be afraid and to step forward in confidence. But then begged to be saved and was chastised with the words: “Oh, ye of little faith.” (Matthew 14:31)
  • In a fit of anger, got violent while in the midst of the Prince of Peace and was rebuked for his deviant behavior: “Put your sword away!” (John 18:11)
  • Tried to hide and then later denied his friend, denied he ever even knew him: “You will disown me three times.” (Mark 14:30)

The man who continually showed his weakness was Peter. And it was Jesus who, in the incidents above, took him to task for his weakness. But, Jesus never quit on Peter. One day, he took him aside and told Peter:

You are the rock on which I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:18)

Who could believe that a man who showed as much weakness as Peter had, would become the foundation for the Church of Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ could. And Peter grew in courage and conviction and went on to the deliver the message of the new covenant to the people:

“Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts of the Apostles 2:38 – 39)

And the church grew. It was built on the rock who was Peter, a man called by Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit to go and make disciples of all people.

This from a man who stumbled, who feared, who angered, and who cowered. How could a man like this build a church which has guided billions of people the world over? Because the power of Jesus is made perfect in weakness. And Peter is the proof.

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