Peter’s Ladder

Men and women that are called of God as the co-operating agents with the divine agencies have always had nothing extraordinary to human eyes. However, they spoke something foreign and startling that always left their hearers amazed, utterances that even the learned cannot and will never refute. For this reason Him that had declared “I thank thee O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them unto babes” (Mat. 11:23). Considered it not a reproach to turn to these babes “In the untutored fishermen, in the publicans at the market place, in the woman of Samaria, in the common people who heard Him gladly, He found His new bottles for new wine.”DA p.279.

It has always been that out of nothing, God brings something, for it was inquired; “Can there be any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Contrary to people’s popular expectations, God disapproved such words for in Nazareth, we read that the Redeemer, the Saviour of the lost world was brought up. Peter’s ordinary business of life.

Something impressive and inspiring has been bookmarked to be an example unto all that will be called as a family of hope. From Peter, we learn that he was not a man of high caliber or rank, but just a fisherman. Seeing that he had a responsibility of taking care of the family given to him, he spent most of his night times at the sea fishing to ensure that the need of bread was met in his household. Of many engaged in this tedious and unattractive business of life, Jesus saw some potential which if cultivated, the returns would be worthy the investment thus made.

However, “The heavenly teacher passed by the great men of the earth, the titled and wealthy, who were accustomed to receive praise and homage as leaders of the people. They were so proud and self-confident in their boasted superiority that they could not be moulded to sympathize with their fellow men and become co-labourers with the humble man of Nazareth. To the unconcerned, toiling fishermen of Galilee was the call addressed; “follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”(Mt.4:19). GC p.171.

It is at this point while in the active daily toils we find Peter, a fisherman by profession given the call “follow me, and they straight-away left their nets and followed him.” Mt. 4:19,20. What a prompt and positive response. Is it that Peter had prior to this meeting met this man that now without word or question he heeds the call? What really actuated this fast reaction? This remains a mystery to the human mind; which we will lightly understand that, “It is God’s plan to employ humble instruments to accomplish great results, men who were most free of any of their time from pride of rank and from the influence of bigotry and priestcraft.” GC 171.

In his unconverted state “Simon waited for no second bidding. He hastened to the Saviour. The eyes of Christ rested upon him reading his character and his life history. His impulsive nature, his loving sympathetic heart, his ambition and self confidence, the history of his fall, his repentance, his labours and his martyr death, the Saviour read it all.” DA p. 139.

While Jesus thus surveyed the life of the ardent soul, to find that it ends on the hands of Emperor Nero, some process of self-scrutiny seems to have been propelling him to heed the high calling. With no oral communication exchanging between the two, it became evident than men sometimes become ashamed of their sinful ways and give up some of their evil habits, before they are conscious that they are being drawn to Christ. But whenever they make an effort to reform from a sincere desire to do right, it is the power of Christ that is drawing them. An influence of which they are unconscious works upon the soul, and the conscience is quickened and the outward life is amended. SC pi4. These momentous scenes as seen here binds the two in the give and take relationship without the exchange of a single word. Though a few words were spoken, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”, (Mt. 4:17) they left a lasting impression in Peter’s mind that years later as the priests listened to the apostles fearless words, they took knowledge of him, that he had been with Jesus.

Follower, a student of Christ.
As one who was eyed to lead the flock hereafter to be left by Jesus, every opportunity was given that he may develop the character in the similitude of his divine teacher. “God takes men as they are, with the human elements in their character, and trains them for his service, if they will be disciplined and learn of him. They are not chosen because they are perfect, but notwithstanding their impressions, that through the knowledge and practice of the truth, through the grace of Christ, they may become transformed in His image.” DA P 298.

The lessons designed to fit this great student were mainly tests of faith and affirmative thrust of God’s providence amid the darkest hours of trials. The classroom chosen was the open fields, mountains and the sea. The textbook recommended to complete the required syllabus was the adaptations of nature.

With the swelling darkness, the disciples decided to cross the Sea of Galilee for a night’s retreat, after a day’s mission of feeding the 5000 was done. Thinking that the day’s lessons at the mountain side was enough for the day, the Saviour saw an occasion to yet present another vital lesson to this weary and exhausted disciple. The classroom chosen for this lesson was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And on the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightaway Jesus spoke unto them saying, Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid. And Peter answered Him and said, Lord if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And Jesus said, come. And when Peter was come down of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. Matthewl4:24-29 and looking unto Jesus, Peter walks securely.” DA 381.

Like Peter, we can walk by faith successfully in railing and tempest situations by fixing our hopes in God through Jesus. A pledge of surety has been freely given with this requisite in mind: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the son of man be lifted up.” John 3:14. “These are they which follow the lamb whithersoever he goeth.” Rev. 14:4. The other page of failure remains to be if we fail in lifting our eyes to the cross and follow the Lamb withersoever he goes – sinking to the bottomless part of the sea as was with Peter.

In another awesome lesson, Jesus saw it necessary to unfold yet another vital mystery that would enable his students to bank their faith and believe in Him as one who was sent of heaven. The class for this lesson was held at the mountain. It is written, “and after six days, Jesus taketh with him Peter and James and John, and leadeth them up onto a high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here:

and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee; and one for Moses and one for Elias. For he wist not what to say; for they were so afraid. And there was a cloud, which overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud saying, This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.’And suddenly, when they had looked around about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.” Mk.9:2-8.

No means, and no way was spared that the heavenly truths may be brought home to the disciples understanding that they were with One that was and will be living forever. In this lesson, “they received great light.” They were given a clearer insight into the work of the Redeemer. They saw with their eyes and heard with their ears things that were beyond comprehension of man. They were eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2Pet 1:14), and they realized that Jesus was indeed the Messiah to whom patriarchs and prophets had witnessed and that He was recognized as such by the heavenly universe”. DA 425. In unfolding these mysteries, Jesus had always given Peter the highest privilege that not all the disciples were led to learn. Slowly but surely was Peter’s faith and belief thus grounded and built. After a number of artistic lessons, concerning all that they had seen and heard, their Teacher set a time in which to assess and evaluate His students with the inquiry, “but whom say ye that I am?” (Matt. 16:14). With the test at hand, the student who had received the highest privilege took no time before any of the eleven would say anything, “Peter declared, Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:14).

He waited not for kingly honours to crown his Lord but accepted Him in his humiliation. Peter had expressed the faith of the twelve. DA 412. In response, Jesus took no time to commend Peter’s discernment saying: “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but my Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 16: 17). When Peter first heard the words of Jesus, he sought, he found, he followed Him. He was with Him in the temple, the table, on the mountainside, in the field. He was as a pupil with a teacher, daily receiving from him lessons of eternal truth, till he could not mistake Him for anybody than the ‘Son of the living God.’

The Commission
By acknowledging the Supremacy of Jesus as the son of the living God, Jesus’ mission was partially completed. In Peter, the testimony is given, “And I say unto thee, that thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of heaven and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matt. 16: 18-19). Later before his ascension Jesus asked him, “Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me more than these? He said unto him, yeah Lord: thou knowest that I love thee. He said unto Him, feed my lambs.” (Jn. 12:15).

Jesus had singled out Peter out of the twelve to bestow unto him a divine responsibility, “Feed my lambs.” This message sounds in our generation not only to our leaders today but also to all that have knowledge of Him that was incarnated through heavenly origin. He (Peter) had seen and heard Him and so was to declare the same, that many may have fellowship with them (disciples). After a number of encounters with Jesus’ experiences, Peter had knowledge of the commission entrusted him- taking full charge of a crucified and risen Saviour. Would you give an account of that which was accomplished by Peter as one who had first hand knowledge from the risen Jesus? Is the commission given to our leaders today less than that given to Peter? Never will it be for the one that has given the instruction, changes not. If anything, with the increase of licentiousness, it demands more earnest effort than Peter would fathom.

Vulnerable Peter
The life of Peter’s ministry has been bookmarked with untold success. His tender care of the lambs he was bidden to “feed”, is the result that we today proclaim the majesty of the risen Lord. Though he is not here to testify the gospel being preached to the ends of the earth before His Master could appear, of him the account read: he preached at Pentecost, he addressed the disciples, witnessed in Solomon’s porch, he denounced Simon Magus, reported to the Jerusalem church, among other duties he executed. Would one ever imagine that one having a command to rebuke even demons would /can err? Not at all, if the insight from on high has not shed its rays in the abode of reason and judgment for with all that are called mortal men, born of flesh it has been written: “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

As any other follower of Christ, Peter, though born to the faith of Christ and with Christ Himself ministering to his spiritual growth was never completely perfected never to error any more. He that was from the foundation of the world had reason and pmpose to intercede for His young children in the faith with the words, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from evil.” (John. 17:15). He well knew all sorts of snares and subtleties that awaited them.

“There are a thousand temptations in disguise prepared for those who have the light of truth; and the only safety for any of us is in receiving no new doctrine; no new interpretation of the scriptures without first submitting it to the brethren for experience”. 5T 293

This virtue was no exception to Peter. Being human, he was susceptible to erring. With his good human intentions were found the words of Satan in disguise, “Be it far from there, Lord; this shall not be unto thee” (Matt. 16:22). From Peter’s point of view, nothing like the looming death of the one loved should befall Him. As a young child with father, Peter had just grasped a partial knowledge of his Master’s mission. The words, “what I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter”, John 13:7. Even though it may not have seemed appropriate to Peter’s ignorance, Jesus chose deliberately decided to use sharp and rebuking words, “get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offense unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that are of men.” Matt. 16:23 Peter loved his Lord but did not commend Him for manifesting the desire to shield Him from suffering.

Peter’s words were not seen as would be a help and solace to Jesus in the great trial before Him. They were not in harmony with God’s purpose of grace towards a lost world, nor with the lesson of self-sacrifice that Jesus had come to teach by his own example. Peter did not desire to see the cross in the work of Christ. The impression, which his words make, was directly opposed to that which Christ desired to make on the minds of His followers, and the Saviour was moved to utter one of the sternest rebukes that ever fell from His lips. DA p. 415. The words of Christ were spoken not to Peter but to the one whom was trying to separate him from his Redeemer. “Get thee behind me, Satan. No longer interpose between my erring servant and me. Let me come face to face with Peter, that I may reveal to him the mystery of my love.” DA P 416.

Satan was not ashamed to personate himself in the person of Peter that he may thwart the purposes of the majesty of heaven. Neither is he ashamed now to desire even the very elect that he may bring to nothing the pearl that has been given to all freely. As in Peter has he got a stronghold in you to tease and challenge those that the Lord has commanded, “feed my sheep.” Without patience and forebearance, Peter could have not been honoured with a divine responsibility by one who he had denied three times saying, “I don’t know the man.” Matt 26:72, However he in a short while had declared Jesus to be the Christ, the son of the living God, who heard heaven declare, “This is my beloved son, listen to Him.”

“Peter’s fall was not instantaneous, but gradual. Self- confidence led him in the belief that he was saved, and step after step was taken in the downward path until he could deny his Master. Never can we safely put confidence in self or feel this side of heaven that we are secure against temptation. Those who accept the Saviour, however sincere their conversion, should never be taught to say or to feel that they are saved, this is misleading. Everyone should be taught to cherish hope and faith; but even when we give ourselves to Christ and know that He accepts, we are not beyond the reach of temptation.” Maranatha P 236.

On calling Peter to follow Him, Jesus was not blind to his impulsiveness and as an uncomprising hater of the authority of Rome. Jesus never rushed to undress Peter of his old self, but waited for suitable occassions when these defects would be ripe to get rid off. As with the scene in the garden of Gethesmane when the chief priests and Pharisees sought to kill Jesus, “Peter having a sword, drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear.” Jnl8:10. Jesus was well conversant of Peter’s weapon but never said a word till he could see him use it, that he may have an opportunity to unfold unto him the armour and sword that never rusts. And so, are we not to be slow or refrain altogether to censure those that God has assigned the duty of taking care of His organized church? “The old nature, born of blood and the will of the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The old ways, the hereditary tendencies, the former habits must be given up; for grace is not inherited. The new birth consists in having new motives, new tastes, new tendencies. Those who are begotten unto life by the Holy Spirit, are partakers of the divine nature, and in all their habits and practices they will give evidence of their relationship to Christ. When men who claim to be Christians retain their natural defects of character and disposition, in what does their position differ from that of the worlding? They have not been born again.” Maranatha p. 237

Satan is working to crowd himself in everywhere. He would put asunder very friends. There are men who are ever talking and gossiping and bearing false witness, who sow the seeds of discord and endanger strife. Heaven looks upon this class as Satan’s most efficient servants. But the man who is injured is in a far less dangerous position than when fawned upon and extolled for a few of his efforts which appear successful. The commendation of apparent friends is more dangerous than reproach.

Every man who praises himself brushes the luster from his best efforts, A truly noble character will not stoop to resent the false accusations of enemies; every word spoken falls harmless for it strengthens that which it cannot overthrow. The Lord would have his people closely united with Himself, the God of patience and love. All should manifest in their lives the love of Christ. Let none venture to belittle the reputation or the position of another. This is egotism.

Never speak dispairingly of any man, for he may be great in the sight of the Lord, while those who feel great may be highly esteemed of God because of the perversity of their hearts. Our only safety is to lie low at the foot of the cross, be little in our own eyes, and trust in God; for he alone has power to make us great. 4T 607

Even at their advanced growth in faith, servants of God holding key positions in God’s work are vulnerable to enjust as Peter was. Although Peter had received a vision to visit Cornelius (Acts 10), to this Gentile the spirit had made it clear that “what God had cleansed, that call ye not common”. “Which in times past were not a people; but are now people of God; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy” (Acts 10:15; Pet 2:10).

However with this acknowledgment, we may fail to explain what prompted Peter to act as he did as here written “for before that certain Jews came from Jerusalem, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they (fellow Jews) came, he withthdrew and separated himself fearing them who were of the ircumcision. And other Jews dessembled likewise with him; in so much that Barnabas also was carried away with their discrimination.” (Galatians 2:11, 12).

This revelation of weakness on the part of those who had been respected and loved as leaders, left a most painful impression on the minds of the Gentile believers. Nonetheless, in God’s providence, Paul had taken the part of Jesus, at this time to rebuke Peter saying, “If thou being a Jew, livest after the manner of the Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou Gentiles to live as do the Jews.” (Galatians 2: 13, 14) AA 198.

Of such situations, the apostolic church suffered untold setbacks than we can understand today. However, the apostles and the disciples alike would not be swayed from the solemn commission of “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”. Matt. 28: 19-20. It came to pass that “Peter saw the error into which
he had fallen, and immediately set about repairing the evils that had been wrought, so far as was in his power. God, who knows the end from the beginning, permitted Peter to reveal this weakness of character in order that the tried apostle might see that there was nothing in himself whereof he might boast. Even the best of men, if left to themselves will err in judgment.” AA p198

As one that has been called into this union with Christ, it is worthwhile looking back at the reactions of the early church when error was spotted in Peter, their appointed leader. Both the clergy and the church members acknowledged that Peter had made a mistake but chose not to dwell on those mistakes so that dissension from within the church may be quenched to give way for the message of the crucified Saviour. Such, as a people waiting for the soon coming Saviour should be our doing. Censuring and belittling those that have been placed in leading positions, has been and will always be the design of the evil one (Satan) that more and more souls may be confused of the will of God that has been made or to be made known by his weak sentinels. Censure not, implicate not, lest the same leader that you are strongly opposed to has taken pleasure in infirmities, for in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake. For when such appears to be weak, then he is strong. The end result of it all is that you would have fought a losing battle, for being strong, you are weak.

God has placed in the church, as His appointed helper men of varied talents that through the combined wisdom of many the mind of the spirit may be met. Men who move in accordance with their own strong traits of character, refusing to take up with others who have had a long experience in the work of God, will become blinded by self confidence, unable to discern between the false and the true. AA 279

The fear of the Lord made David spare the life of Saul twice at the cave of Engedi (ISam 24), and in the trench at Jeshimon (1 Sam 26). Even when agitated by Abishai, “God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee; with the spear even to the earth at once and I will not smite him the second time. David said to Abishai, destroy him not: for who can stretch his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless? The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed, but I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster and the cruise of water and let us go. The Lord handed to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the Lord delivered thee into my hand today, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed” (ISam 26:8,9,11,23). Should these not be our stand to those that have been elected to office in whatever capacity in the church’s hierarchy (GC-Sabbath Schools)? It may be that your leader has not worked to your satisfaction but it would be vital to remember that there are different administrations but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations but it is the same God who worketh in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit with all”. (1 Corinthians 12:5-7)

Christ who connects earth with heaven is the ladder, the base is planted firm’y on the earth in his humanity; the topmost round reaches to the throne of God, in His divinity. The humanity of Christ embraces fallen humanity, while his divinity lays upon the throne of God. We are saved by climbing round, after round of the ladder, looking to Christ, clinging to Christ, mounting step by step to the height of Christ, so that He is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity are the rounds of this ladder. All these graces are to be manifested in the Christian character; “if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” 2Pet. 1: 10,11 (6T 147)

Fellow Christians, the records of sacred history are written not merely that we may read and wonder, but that the same faith which wrought in God’s servants of old may work in us. In no less marked manner will the Lord work now, wherever there are hearts of faith to be channels of His power. To us as to Peter, the word is spoken, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but 1 have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:
31,32(PK 175,76).

As witnessed from David, loving our leaders with all the infirmities known of them will arouse the long lost respect for them, in whatever capacity they may be serving. “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth and one converts him, let him know that he who converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5: 19,20.
AMEN.

John R Obwocha
Islamabad, Pakistan.