Another Lesson from Peter

PETER IN THE BEGINNING:
Impetuous, loud, a little "look at me" in the group. He loved Jesus and wanted to do the right thing even when he messed up...he jumped out of the boat and walked on water until he realized what he was doing and then sank like a stone, he fished where Jesus told him to fish even though he had his doubts, he cut off the ear of one of the men who came to arrest Jesus and he proclaimed himself willing to die for Jesus but then denied him...and then had to meet his eye. He obviously loved Jesus. And he obviously had some big weaknesses to battle.

And Jesus knew all of this about Peter. He also knew how Peter would change the world. In spite of his weakness. Jesus prayed for Peter. He didn't take away the thorns of his sometimes too eager personality or fear. He prayed for Peter. Peter worked with his weakness. And he changed the world.

Luke 22:31-34
31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

33But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death."

34Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me."

PETER NEAR THE END:
Strong, firm, steadfast.

1 Peter 5:8-11
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.