Focus, Peter!

 bob-maclafferty, Uncategorized  No Responses »
May 292011
 

“Follow Me!” Jesus had shouted back at Peter as He continued to walk down the shoreline. Peter had leapt to his feet, eager to be with the One who loved Him most.

Peter ran, his sandals crunching on the gravel and sand. As he closed the distance, he began to hear another set of crunching footsteps not quite in time with his own. As he ran, he turned and saw John, his fellow disciple following. He was distracted, wondering what John was up to. Was John going to argue with Jesus about forgiving his betrayal? Was this another intra-disciple power struggle like the Passover supper scene? Why was John horning in on his moment with Jesus?

Panting, he finally caught up to Jesus. Hands on his knees, he bent, breathing deeply, out of breath from his sprint. Straightening, he looked up at Jesus, pointed back and said,

“Lord, what about him?” John 21:21 NIV.

What about that other guy, Jesus? You disciplined me. What will you say to him? Is he part of the conversation too? Why is he coming too?

Jesus looked straight into Peter’s eyes, willing him to take his attention from John and return it to Him.

“…what is that to you? You must follow me.” verse 22

I’m not talking about John right now, Peter. I’m talking to you! Never mind John, his ministry, his life, his death. Don’t think about his relationship with me.

Focus, Peter! Focus on Me, Peter! Look only at Me, Peter. Let everything and everyone else gray out around you and see only Me. You will do great things for Me. Your life will be a witness for me. But only if you focus on Me!

Father, let my circumstances, my friends, my job, the unkind words and actions of others, even my own sins, become grayed-out, dithered options on the desktop of my mind. Let me focus only on Your Son. Let the Spirit power me to turn my eyes only to Jesus. Let my vision of Him paint everything I do and say with Your Love.

Part 4 of a 4 part series beginning with Triple Rejection Before Sunrise and 153 Miracle Fish  and  Triple Commit after Breakfast.

Triple Commit after Breakfast

 bob-maclafferty, Uncategorized  1 Response »
Apr 282011
 

The disciples grinned at each other, stomachs no longer growling, hunger completely satisfied.  Jesus had continued to serve them the fresh-caught baked fish and bread until they could hold no more. Now they stood around the fire, invigorated by the cool morning air, the sun just beginning to creep above the hills to the east. Pleased with the lesson just taught and learned, Jesus slowly looked around the circle, a smile forming on his face. One more lesson to teach, he thought. One more wound to heal.

“Peter,” he said quietly,”Do you really love me more than the others love me?”

He straightened, a look of self-satisfaction and pride in his expression.

 “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”   

 Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15 NIV.

Peter’s gaze was fixed on his hands. He glanced behind him, looking for small sheep, then feeling a little sheepish himself.

Jesus cleared His throat. Peter hesitantly began to look up , a reluctant sigh escaping his lips.

“Peter,” Jesus spoke just a little louder,”Do you really love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

 Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” verse 16.

The silence was deafening. The other disciples shifted their positions on the sand and stone of the beach, uncomfortable even though another was the object of Jesus’ attention. Peter didn’t move a muscle, his face devoid of expression, not looking at anyone. Especially not looking at Jesus. The silence continued. One minute. Then two.

“Peter,” Jesus said for the third time, His voice stronger now, challenging, carrying outside of the circle and down the beach.

For the third time, Peter heard his name called. A look of hopelessness and pure despair crossed Peter’s face. He had a sudden flashback of his claim that others would desert Jesus, but that he never would. He remembered an evening meal where he promised loyalty. He remembered the voice of Jesus, full of love and pain, predicting his threefold betrayal.

“Peter,” He spoke powerfully,”Do you love me?” His voice pierced the cool morning air just like it pierced Peter’s heart. He fell forward to the ground, his face grinding into the sand, completely humbled, no trace of pride left. He groaned, his voice muffled,

“Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” verse 17.

Peter waited, his heart thudding loudly in his chest. Would it all end here? A moment of weakness causing rejection and separation? Would Jesus send him out just like He sent Judas? He heard gravel shifting and grating as someone slowly stood.

A quiet voice said, a loving, accepting voice said, a commanding voice said,”Feed my sheep!”

Peter raised, brushing the sand from his face. His head shook with confusion and maybe, just maybe, the beginnings of hope. He heard footsteps leave the circle and move farther and farther away. He sat up, turning around to see Jesus walking steadily away from him and down the shoreline. Still confused, he sat there, surrounded by the others, still silent, still unmoving.

Suddenly, Jesus whirled and looked back, looked directly at Peter. The others moved aside, leaving a clear path between them.

“Peter!” Jesus’ powerful voice echoed like a trumpet call  from the surrounding hills. The look on His face, His commanding stance, every inch the Son of the Living God. Each disciple heard the voice of the Creator God, the voice that spoke the sun into the sky, the voice that raised Lazarus from the dead. Not a sound broke the silence that held the echoes of His voice. Not a trilling bird call, not a slapping wave, not a whisper of wind.

Peter stared directly at his Master, still silent, still unmoving.

Jesus, a smile slowly spreading across His face, shouted in the same commanding voice,”FOLLOW ME!” and, still smiling, He turned to continue His walk.

With a look of pure joy on his face, Peter lunged to his feet and ran after his Jesus.

What was it about those few words? What meaning, what message passed between them? I think something like this- “Peter, I know you. Peter I know your weaknesses. Peter I know you love me. Peter, I want others to hear your total commitment to Me. Peter your denial, your betrayal, your sin does not make Me love you less, does not keep Me from using you. Because it’s not about you, Peter. It’s about Me and My  Father’s will. Your sins are forgiven and forgotten, Peter. Look only ever forward, Peter. You are part of Me, Peter.  I have a job for you, Peter. Follow me, Peter. Copy Me, work with me, fish for men with me, prepare to go home with Me!

What meaning for me? Have I denied? Have I run away? Have I stopped following? The same forgiveness, the same forgetting, the same future that Peter was given is also mine if I just follow Jesus.

Part 3 of a 4 part series beginning with Triple Rejection Before Sunrise and 153 Miracle Fish and ending with Focus, Peter!

153 Miracle Fish

 bob-maclafferty  2 Responses »
Apr 222011
 

Resurrection shock worn off, Peter and a group of friends had fished the night away, hoping for a little cash money. Many of them were not only experienced fishermen, they new everything there was to know about the Sea of Galilee. They knew the currents, the best fishing areas, the best shoreline to beach their boats. In spite of all this knowledge and experience, they spent the entire night in vain, catching nothing.

 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” John 21:4-5 NIV.

Grudgingly, these esperienced fishermen had to admit that they had caught exactly nothing.

He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” verse 6.

I can just hear the grumbling. Move the heavy, water-soaked net just a few feet to the other side of the boat? Who did this guy think he was? God?

But to their credit, they took the stranger’s advice and moved their net.

When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. verse 6.

John, finally recognizing Jesus, told Peter who the stranger was. Peter, typical Peter, jumped into the lake and swam the 100 yards to the  shore!

Gasping for breath, he pulled his dripping self out of the water and stared in amazement! A fire, burned down to coals, fish baking, and bread!

 10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”

Don’t you just love that? Jesus sticks with the understatement. “you will find some“, bring “some“.  Yeah, they got some fish alright!

 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net shore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. verse 11.

Some fish! So many that they had to leave the net in the water and tow it to shore behind the boat!

 I’m thinking of the responses I would have made to the disciples.”When will you ever learn?” or “Why are you playing in the water instead of focusing on your mission?”  But no-

 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” verse 12.

Jesus, awaking hours before dawn, building a fire, catching His own fish, waiting for the disciples to give up on their own efforts.

Jesus, the ultimate servant leader. Jesus, serving food for their stomachs before food for thought. Jesus, more concerned about connecting than criticizing.

Father, let me give before I ask. Let me love before I teach. Let me serve before I lead.

(Part 2 of a 3 part series beginning with Triple Rejection before Sunrise and  followed by Triple Commit After Breakfast.)

Triple Rejection Before Sunrise

 bob-maclafferty, Uncategorized  2 Responses »
Apr 122011
 

“Weren’t you with the guy who’s on trial?” the girl questioned. Peter winced as he heard the words. He had tried his best to melt into the crowd, not wanting to be noticed, but unable to tear himself away from the courtroom drama unfolding as the night wore on.  “I have no idea what you’re talking about!” he answered defensively, fear making his voice just a little louder than he had intended.

Peter eased himself away from the group, attempting to be casual. Hoping to regain anonymity, he joined a circle of  court staff warming themselves by an open fire.  The firelight cast harsh highlights and shadows on his face as he turned around, trying to let the warmth from the flames soak in from all sides. Slowly, he became aware that someone was staring at him across the fire.

“Yeah, this guy definitely was with him. I recognize him!” Peter slowly turned, seeing the pointing finger directed at him. “&$#%@!, you’re crazy. I don’t know him from Adam!” Peter retorted, letting a little anger turn his voice harsh. Peter finally made an admission to himself. He was afraid. He was really afraid! Ever since the garden, seeing Jesus captured violently, he had been afraid. His one attempt to defend Jesus failed when he missed the attacker’s head and lopped off his ear instead. And then, to have Jesus miraculously re-attach the ear and tell him to put up his sword-  He was the Christ, wasn’t he? But he was going down! Peter lost all the will to resist and started thinking about survival. He had no desire to be captured and tried as a troublemaker like Jesus!

 He felt someone jab him in the shoulder. Turning, he saw a relative of the man he had attacked in the garden. “Deny it all you want, but you are definitely with that guy! Besides, your accent says you aren’t from around here!”

Peter stared dumbstruck as his heart pounded several heavy beats. This was it. He could almost feel the rope being tightened around his wrists, hear the tearing sound of his coat being ripped from his shoulders, feel the bite of the chunks of metal woven into the whiplash as it ripped into the muscle of his back. No, no, no! Not him, not here. Not tonight!

He inhaled through his nostrils. Opening his mouth, the most vile curses poured out. Everything he had heard from the rough fishermen on the docks in Galilee. He lost all reverence for God’s name, saying things that no Jew would ever utter, thoroughly denying that he had ever known Jesus.

And then he heard the sound, the unexpected, yet normal sound piercing the early morning air. The sound of a rooster crowing. Once, then silence, then once again.

Horrified, Peter instinctively looked behind him toward the courthouse hoping against hope that…. But there he stood.  Jesus, beaten, bruised and bloody. Jesus, the one who had heard him promise loyalty to the death just a few hours ago.  Jesus, the one who had predicted his failure.

Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!  John 13:38 NIV.

Peter could feel the guilt weighing heavily on his shoulders. He stood rooted to the ground, unable to move. Tears began to make their way down his face. He felt their saltiness on his lips. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from Jesus. What would he say? What would he do? Had Jesus heard his every word?

No words came from Jesus’ lips. No harsh expression showed on his face.  Peter stared. Sorrow filled Jesus’ eyes. Recognition that Peter had failed him just as He said he would. But there was something else in those eyes. Something that made Peter feel even more guilty. Something that could only come from God.

The tears were free-flowing now.  His body racked with sobs, Peter finally turned from Jesus and staggered toward the courtyard gate, trying to get away from those eyes.

Father, let me stand for You today. Let me be willing to be counted for You today. Let me joyfully be recognised as Yours today. And if I fall- no, and when I fall, look at me like Your Son looked at Peter. Amen.

Part 1 of a 3 part series followed by 153 Miracle Fish and Triple Commit After Breakfast.

71 is what He said

 bob-maclafferty  No Responses »
Feb 212011
 

I hung up the phone and sat down heavily at my desk. I had just completed a phone conversation at work that had not gone well.  I sat quietly, letting discouragement and disillusionment invade. I could feel my spirit sinking lower. I was in no condition to be productive. I felt… well, stuck.

Have you ever felt that way? Blocked, stuck, down? Have you felt those negative influences affecting your relationships, your work performance, your faith?

I need to break some news to you. I am not writing today about what to do with discouragement. Right now, I’m not interested in blasting sunshine into your day. In fact,  my drive to write today has nothing to do with me and my troubles or even about what you might be facing.

This is about God and what He has done and can do.

I’ve got bragging rights on this.

That day as I sat at my desk, I turned to God and said, “Look, God, I am down right now and I need help. What do You have for me right now? I need… something…”

I waited…. waited for a sign, for words, for something, anything from Him.

Do you hear God speak? Many of us struggle with that whole concept. Does God still speak with an audible voice? When I hear others say “God told me…”, does it make me feel like a second-rate Christian?

So, I sat at my desk, letting my request hang in the air….

“Psalm 71”, the thought, voice, impression came to me. Did I hear it? Did I feel it? Did I think it? Dream it?

“Really, Psalm 71?”, I thought? “How odd, I don’t really know anything about Psalm 71!”

So, I did the only thing that I could think to do. I picked up my Bible and turned to Psalm 71. It had one single verse underlined in it from some time back. Why Psalm 71?

So, I started to read. In my Bible, it is one page, 24 verses. At first, it seemed to begin like many other Psalms, but then, as I let the words flow through me, I realized that it had just the message my heart needed to hear on that day. I read it several times and several times more over the next few days.

Now this is my Psalm! God gave it to me just in time, just when I needed those very words. I am so thankful for Psalm 71, but more than that, I am thankful for my Father’s voice. Did I hear it? Maybe. Did I hear it with my ears? Maybe, Maybe not. I don’t really care. All I need is the knowledge that He spoke and that the message I received was just for me.

…and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Psalm 71:17 NIV.

Father, thank You for speaking! Yes, I brag on You for answering me in such a cool way.  Forgive me for not listening more.

Bragging Rights

 bob-maclafferty  1 Response »
Feb 102011
 

In my mother’s kitchen, there is a fridge. On the fridge there is an old piece of paper. On the paper is a drawing of a very strangely shaped lion drawn years ago by one of my nieces.  It gets lots of attention. Sooner or later, everyone who visits the kitchen sees the lion and hears the story about who drew it and when. My niece knows that it still hangs on the fridge and that her grandma has bragging rights on it!

Now, she is a quite accomplished young sketch artist. While part of her might be embarrassed that this earlier creation of marginal artistic value is still featured in a place of honor, I think that another part of her is pleasured to know that her art is valued by someone she loves, someone who loves her back.

Bragging gets a lot of bad press. Most of the time, it is negative only when self promoting or when it is used to devalue someone else. There is one time when bragging is always okay. It is when we brag about our Father in heaven. While I have spoken about this in passing before, I felt impressed to focus on it today.

Our Father loves to hear His children tell stories about Him! One way to worship is to tell stories about Him. One way to build faith, yours and that of those around you, is by sharing what He has done for you and in you.

But as for me, I will always have hope;
   I will praise you more and more. 
My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
   of your salvation all day long,
   though I know not its measure.
Psalm 71:14-15 NIV.

Is that great or what! David was so good at bragging on God. I just love these words, “I will praise you more and more.” David even says that he is going to brag about how good God is, even though he doesn’t know how to measure it!

When God does something for or in you, don’t keep it a secret! Tell about it! Tell your husband. Tell your wife. Tell your kids! Tell your work colleagues! Tell about it at church! Make a news event of it! Share it freely!

Father, let me boldly share what You do in me with those around me. Let my words make You happy! Let my stories bring a faith blessing to others.

The Widow’s Last-part 1

 bob-maclafferty  No Responses »
Jan 232011
 

The woman slowly made her way up the hill. She stumbled, fatigue and hunger etched clearly on her face. In her mind, she clearly saw her young son standing hopefully in the doorway of their small home. His stomach already distended, his arms and legs pathetic in their skeletal appearance. It would not be long now. She only hoped to find a few overlooked dry branches to start a small fire, cooking their last bit of flour and meal into their last bread for their last meal. The last until they died. A solitary tear made its way down her dusty cheek, leaving a track behind.

She heard the voice in her head again. “Give,” the voice said.  Every day for the last seven days she had heard the voice.  Every day she tried to dismiss it as a product of her hunger induced delirium. Every day she thought,”I have nothing to give- nothing! Who could ask this of me?”

Then the word of the LORD came to him:  “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 1 Kings 17:8-9

Do you ever feel that too much is being asked of you? Have you ever thought, “If people knew the stress load I am carrying, they wouldn’t ask more of me.” Or “They know what a tough time I’m having. How could they justify asking anything of me?”

Have you heard a voice saying, “Give?” In what areas of your life have you been recently challenged to give?

Father, why do You ask me to give when what I really need is to get?

Closer to Heaven

 bob-maclafferty  No Responses »
Jan 152011
 

The world is full of striving people. People working to be worthy. Worthy of advancement in the workplace. Worthy of love by parents or spouse. Worthy of love be the God of the universe. Worthy of heaven. How much peace would flood our lives if we believed the truth, the truth that our Heavenly Father loves us just the way we are, that there is nothing we can do to make Him love us any more or any less than He does right now!

I believe that truth with all my heart! I also know that when most of us speak of that kind of love, we follow it with a “but”, a qualification of some kind. There is no “but”. There is an “and”, however.  Our Father loves us unconditionally, not based on our actions AND He knows that our lives will be filled with so much more joy when we learn to love like Him. Listen to the words of the song, You Lift Me Up, by Rachel Lampa: 

Climbing on a cloud
Dancing on a day dream
I don’t have a doubt
Just how good this life can be
You lift me upRunning in the rain
Singing in the sunshine
Telling all the world
Why I’m so in love with life
You lift me up
You lift me up
And I’m touching the blue sky
You lift me up
I’m on top of the world
I’m getting closer to heaven
In every little thing I love
You lift me up

Father,  You lift me up! Whenever I let you power me to love like You, I look more like You! Prompt me to let You do that more and more. Not to earn anything from You, but just for the sheer joy of pleasing You and reflecting You!

Post Christmas Blues

 bob-maclafferty, christmas  No Responses »
Jan 032011
 

Christmas is over. While a few of us diehards still have lighted trees still gracing our living rooms, the gifts are gone, the mounds of crumpled paper are bagged, the favorite Christmas music and movies are put away for another year. Seasonal clothes and candies are starting to disappear. Christmas sermons and concerts are past. School breaks are almost over. What’s next?

My blog posts over the last several weeks were an attempt to make the season real to me in a fresh and meaningful way. The journey has been a successful one for me. I have spent much more time meditating on the Gift of Jesus and what it teaches us about our Father’s love.  But what now? Is it time to put those thoughts away for another year? Is it time to forget about this Gift until next year’s December?

As I begin, it is December 31, the last day of 2010. What does that mean to you? Is it a relief? Or do you wish the year could continue for a few more days? Does January bleakness threaten to give you a depressing case of the Post Christmas Blues? If you have one dependably firing synapse left, you might even be considering making a resolution for the new year. As I finished the last of the Christmas posts, I wondered what this experience should mean to me. Where am I in this story? What meaning do I find? What is it that calls to me in this story?

Mary, the expectant virgin, opening up her life, her body, her soul to her God, willing to let Him do the impossible through her. Will I choose to live totally open like Mary, holding nothing back?

Joseph, the shamed, yet upright husband to be, ready to listen to an angel’s dream, ready to make a courageous stand out of love and obedience, no matter the terrible cost to his reputation and relationships. Will I choose to make hard decisions, choosing what is loving and right, rather than what is comfortable and convenient?

The shepherds, poverty-stricken, society-excluded, quick to respond instantly to the angel’s light, not letting their social position, their wardrobe, or their jobs prevent them from coming to Jesus. Am I willing to let nothing stand in my way as I come to Him?

The wise men, willing to cross desert and culture, standing alone against prejudice and disbelief, giving their best, all for one glorious moment of worship. Will I give all that I have and all that I am, just to bring Him glory?

Days later, I still struggle with the question. Where am I in this story? Where are you?

Twelve for Christmas

 bob-maclafferty, christmas  1 Response »
Dec 252010
 

Twelve.

Twelve sons.

Twelve tribes. A nation of tribes, but only one chosen. Judah.

 A huge tribe, but only one descendant chosen, David.

A large clan, but only one chosen…

The rhythmic groans followed by short gasps came in shorter and shorter intervals.

“It’s… time, Joseph!”, she ground out, “get something clean!”

Joseph hurriedly put a clean cloth beneath her. He was near panic. With his other sons, he had been far outside, banished by the midwife. Now, there was no one.

“It’s coming!”, Joseph announced suddenly,”It’s coming!” And Mary began to push. As waves of pain washed over her, a scream began to build in the bottom of her lungs. Low and growing higher, soft and growing louder.

Her scream racketed against the stone walls of the cave. She screamed long. She screamed from the ripping pain in her young body. She screamed in fear for the safety of the Life within her. She screamed in anger at bringing this Life into such a filthy place, into such a filthy world. She screamed loud. She screamed with joy that the Life would soon be hers to touch, to hold, to love. She screamed in exultation at the honor of carrying such a life. And, finally, she screamed in victory as the Life finally slipped from her and into Joseph’s hands.

A sudden and anticlimactic hush fell over the cave. Time seemed to stand still as Mary hushed, Joseph froze, and the baby lay still. It seemed that the entire world shuddered to a stop and waited, waited for Life.

A thin cry escaped from the bluish lips of the tiny baby. Slowly, Joseph lifted the baby heavenward. Great drops of blood fell from his hands and feet and stained Mary’s robe. Joseph looked down, amazed at the shadow formed by the baby’s outstretched arms on Mary’s belly, the shadow of a Roman cross!  Unworthiness filling his heart, he lifted the little one even higher and shouted, “Father, into thy hands!”

Suddenly, a blinding, blue-white light fills the cave and the hills around Bethlehem. The energy release from a thousand angels lighting up at the same time caused the air to compress and, BOOM! CRASH! The shock wave knocked shepherds off their feet and stampeded their flocks. It echoed and re-echoed off the hilltops until the ground shook beneath them.  Then, before the rumbling completely stopped, another sound started softly, then grew until it filled the air.

A thousand voices, singing so many parts that it seemed the whole spectrum of human hearing was covered! They sang loud! They sang, rejoicing at the birth of the newborn Son. They sang to honor the gift of Himself their Commander had given. They sang long. They sang glory to God the Father who gave His Son. They sang in sheer amazement and wonder at the love of Father and Son.  They sang to please Mary and Joseph for nine month journey of faith. And they sang with pure joy for being allowed a part in this celebration, a celebration of the love of the Creator for his created.

Dawn was still hours away as Mary lay holding her new Baby so close. She looked down and her eyes widened at the sight of her perfect Son, covered in blood and birth, cord still connecting. Joseph knelt at her side, the sharp knife forgotten and dropped in the hay. He still stared at the open stable door where the light still glowed and the sound still entered to fill his ears.

And so a plan became Life that night. A plan laid before the world was. A plan drawn by a Father for His wayward children. A plan where His Son, his only Son, would eagerly lay down his life to prove His Father’s love and His love. The greatest story is not that of a virgin and her husband, but that of a loving Father, giving everything, even to death, to bring His children home. A story filled with perfect God and rebellious children, shining stars and crushing shame, filled with blood and with blessing, filled with power and with pain, with obedience and joy and rejection and deceit. The Father’s love story.

Immanuel, God with us. God became man. And just as He lived in Mary so long ago, so He will live in you and in me if we let Him. Not forcing, but loving us into loving Him back, healing and changing us from the inside out to look more like Him. What a gift! What an amazing grace gift! It’s yours! Open it!

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