Peter the Transformed

“In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, ‘Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry… For it is written in the Book of Psalms,

“‘May his camp become desolate,
    and let there be no one to dwell in it’;

“and

“‘Let another take his office.’

“‘So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,  beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.'”

“But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
    and your young men shall see visions,
    and your old men shall dream dreams;
even on my male servants and female servants
    in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.'” Acts 1:15-17,20-22; 2:14-18

From immediate obedience to Jesus’s call through his weeping at the rooster’s crow, Peter exhibited a lively personality fraught with impetuosity and passion. This fallible man of contrasts, bold proclamations both for and against his Savior, earnestness and honesty, was trained by his Master and transformed by His Spirit. When Pentecost was announced he stepped up to lead, and once it occurred he stepped out to preach and minister in power. His was a life ever growing and being sanctified by a marvelous God and his willing cooperation. (Matthew 4:18-20; 16:15-16,22-23; 26:75; Acts 2:37-41; 3:6-7; 4:8-13)

The Lord has fashioned us with particular personalities and relational proclivities. We perceive the world and its Creator through eyes unique among those around us, and are distinct in the way we interact with challenges and people and assignments. Peter’s passionate untamed zeal called for some extra attention and bridling that resulted in bold and effective ministry that honored his Lord. (Matthew 17:1-8; 26:32-40; Luke 22:31-32)

What do I perceive as my greatest strengths? Do others close to me agree? In what situations can they become a great weakness? Would I ask the Lord to harness them in energy for Him and His purposes? What circumstances in my life is God using to hone the qualities He has given me for service to His kingdom?

Where do I want to be transformed and matured as His servant? How am I practicing my God-given gifts and personalities to develop them and minister to God’s people? How can I encourage and come alongside another to mutually grow in gracious expression and effective practice of His gifting?

Lord, please persist in sanctifying me so I might serve for others’ good and Your glory all my days.