A S P E C T S - a monthly devotional journal For subscription information on receiving Aspects every month via e-mail, or the laser-printed edition by mail, see NOTES, COPYRIGHT & SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION near the end of this file. Aspects is written by David S. Lampel. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Issue #20, July 1992 (Internet Edition) L I K E A S H E P H E R D ----------------------------------------------------------------- In this issue: Perspective - Sticking With It Perspective - The Essence of His Death Perspective - Grace Through the Eyes of Pain Perspective - The Scarred Rock ----------------------------------------------------------------- "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." . . . But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same. . . Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly. . . Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." (1) _________________________ I have usually been too young for those things in which I was seeking to participate. I began Kindergarten as a 4-year-old--younger than the rest of my 5- and 6-year-old schoolmates; as a young lad, I had to obtain special permission to join the Cub Scouts, then the Boy Scouts, at an age supposedly not allowed. So it was not out of character for me to ask the required permission from my parents to join the United States Navy at the tender age of 17. Having graduated high school by the hair on my chinny chin-chin, I knew that there would be no billet waiting for me at any college, but that the Navy--during those Vietnam years--would not be so choosy. I was a member of Unit Band 106, attached to COMCRUDESPAC (Civilian Translation: COMmander, CRUiser/DEStroyer Force, PACific Fleet.) out of San Diego, California. When it came time, we faithful members of the Admiral's band followed him to the sunny climes of Southeast Asia for a 6-month pleasure cruise in the Tonkin Gulf, off the coast of Vietnam. My job was to play the trombone, and, as the youngest member of the band, I was on the receiving end of much harassment--good natured and otherwise. I was especially put upon by my section leader. He was an exasperating perfectionist where it came to trombone technique and, worse, seemed to have it in for me. I could do no right; in his eyes, I was always saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, behaving in an immature manner, and generally making myself an imposition on his life. He was constantly criticizing my behavior and embarrassing me before others. Try as I might, I could not satisfy him. It was much later when another band member, our Lead Alto Sax man, convinced me that my nemesis not only did not hate me, but actually had great affection for me. In reality, he was so fond of me that he had committed himself to helping me become something better than I was. Not unlike the way Jesus was with Simon Peter. Ah, Peter. Why is it we can't say his name without sighing. He is so like us, so flawed. Peter is the patron saint of all common sinners. He was in need of so much counsel, it could have been a full-time job for the Lord. How like us Peter was . . . Unwilling to consider the Big Picture: Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said, "This shall never happen to you!"(2) Prideful: Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?"(3) Boastful and Short-sighted: Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will. Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you."(4) Impetuous: Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear.(5) Petty: Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"(6) Bless his heart, Peter is our brother. Yet Jesus saw in him the potential to be the very foundation of His church. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Perspective S T I C K I N G W I T H I T ------------- As we have seen in this series on the life of Christ, Jesus ministered to most everyone with which He came into contact. The Gospel accounts are replete with Jesus' teaching--and thereby ministering to--His disciples. And it seems that Peter was usually near the front of the class: prominent in teachability, correctness--and delinquency. If the setting were a modern classroom instead of an ancient, dusty road, Peter would be at once the prized pupil, filling notebooks with the teacher's words; the eager example, always waving his hand with the correct answer; and the resident discipline problem, getting caught writing the teacher's name on the blackboard. Some of Peter's words demonstrate the wisdom of a sage; some the immaturity of a child. Jesus dealt with Peter in an honest, forthright manner--consistently instructing him with the type of balance and fairness any parent would envy. If Peter said or did the right thing, he was praised; When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."(9) when his response was less than correct, he was reprimanded--in a manner instantly recognizable to him, and necessary for his personality. From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."(10) Calm, quiet reason didn't work nearly so well with Peter as did an immediate, strongly-worded reproach. Like the episode in Jerusalem when He drove the money-changers from the temple, observing Jesus as He shepherds Peter dispels the erroneous image of Him as a milquetoast. Jesus shows us by His life that humble does not equal timid, that meek is not synonymous with obsequious. He is the perfect example of strength through submission, honesty in compassion. When one of His most beloved companions says or does something contrary to the Father's will, Jesus immediately sets Him straight. Stop! This is wrong! We don't hear Him saying, "Well, I don't want to hurt his feelings, so I'll let it slide this one time." We do not seek the Father's will by breaking it; we do not disciple others by permitting sin. Jesus demonstrates for us how to love someone so much, that no inconvenience--no potentially embarrassing moment--will prevent us from dealing honestly with any wrong. In His Shoes ------------ Put yourself in Jesus' position. What if you had been put in charge of a group of people. For a period of three years, you would be responsible for their training, maturity--even their eternal life. What if, going in, you knew that one of them would, when the chips were down, deny even knowing you. Could you have so consistently demonstrated the compassion and tenderness Jesus did to Peter? Could you have said, as did Jesus, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah . . .?"(8) Individuals ----------- Compare the method by which Jesus reproved Peter to that used by Him with His other disciples. Disciple Method/Manner -------------------- -------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Perspective T H E E S S E N C E O F H I S D E A T H ------------- Time: Just before dawn, Friday Place: The courtyard of the High Priest's (Caiaphas) palace [As the lights come up, the servant girl, JERUSHA, is tending the fire. Enter CRASSIUS and LUCIUS, two Roman soldiers, and HORDEDEF and SEKHTI, Egyptian merchants. The two soldiers are trying (with little success) to shake off SEKHTI and HORDEDEF, who are enthusiastically peddling their wares.] SEKHTI (persistently):...brings its life-giving silt and leaves it on our land--where we grow beautiful flowers which we turn into the sweet-smelling essence before you now. A fragile and exquisite blossom is crushed to--- CRASSIUS (turning quickly to take SEKHTI by his tunic): I'm about to crush you, you little lotus flower! [The other officer, encouraged by his partner, grabs HORDEDEF by the scruff of the neck and hauls him over next to SEKHTI.] HORDEDEF: But sir, the great and mighty Roman Empire was built on the concept of free commerce! Surely you would not restrict our trade..... LUCIUS: Hold it down! Don't you know where you are? HORDEDEF (looking around): Why, no. CRASSIUS: You're standing in the private courtyard of the High Priest Caiaphas. And if he gets upset because there's too much noise outside, he tells the centurion. Then the centurion jumps on us for not keeping things quiet for the High Priest! LUCIUS: And do you know what happens then? [HORDEDEF and SEKHTI shake their heads slowly in unison.] CRASSIUS (fiercely): We jump on you for making us look bad! Now, keep it down and leave us alone! [HORDEDEF and SEKHTI sheepishly slink back as the two officers join the servant girl at the charcoal fire. HORDEDEF and SEKHTI stay near the fire, just behind the others.] LUCIUS (to JERUSHA): What's going on up there, anyway? JERUSHA: They have to question him. LUCIUS: Why? What's he done? CRASSIUS: Who is this guy? JERUSHA (as she tends the fire; cynically): A teacher. A prophet. A trouble-maker. CRASSIUS: Wait a minute. I heard their talk. Those offenses wouldn't call for what they're planning for this man. JERUSHA: You don't know; you're not a Jew. CRASSIUS (to his companion; with a derisive laugh): And I thank Jupiter for that! JERUSHA: He claims to be the Son of Man. [The two soldiers just look at her, not knowing the term.] JERUSHA (impatiently): The Son of God. LUCIUS: Well, okay. (gesturing to his head) So he's not quite all there. That's still not cause to crucify him. JERUSHA (startled by the word "crucify"): Is that what they're plotting? CRASSIUS: Why do you think we're here? LUCIUS: Even the Sanhedrin can't crucify a man. [There is a knocking at one of the entrances.] JERUSHA (getting up to see who it is): I didn't know they were taking it that far. HORDEDEF (stepping closer to the soldiers): Gentlemen, this is a most unfortunate time for all. Political intrigue is always messy. But while you're waiting, perhaps I could show you a few of--- CRASSIUS (with a menacing growl): Are you still here?! [HORDEDEF and SEKHTI once again back away, silently, as attention is focused on JERUSHA at the door.] JERUSHA (speaking to PETER, who remains hidden offstage): You're one of them. (intently) You're one of his disciples. PETER (pushing his way in; showing labored bravado): I don't know what you're talking about! I just got into town tonight. JERUSHA: Then why are you here? This is the home of Caiaphas, the Chief Priest. (trying to send him away) PETER (stepping towards the fire): I saw your fire through the gate. (nervously acknowledging the two soldiers) Just thought you might let a traveler warm himself for a moment. LUCIUS (suspiciously): Sure. Why not. JERUSHA: My master wouldn't like this. CRASSIUS: Aw, what's the harm. It's a cold night. SEKHTI (friendly; to PETER): We just got in, too. My name's Sekhti. My partner is Hordedef. (waiting for Peter to give his name) PETER (disdainfully): Egyptians. HORDEDEF: Why, yes. And you are....? PETER (trying to get them to leave him alone): Tired from my journey. (sitting down next to the fire) CRASSIUS (to PETER): You're from Galilee. PETER (nervously): Yes. CRASSIUS: Maybe you know this guy inside--the "prophet". He's from that area. LUCIUS: Doesn't look good for him. CRASSIUS (to LUCIUS): I still can't figure them wanting to crucify him. Yeah, the guy's a pain in the neck, but why---- JERUSHA (subdued; almost sadly): To us Jews, God is everything. From the time we are born until we die....every part of our life centers around Jehovah. He personally gave us the laws we live by--laws that govern every aspect of living--not just our worship. This....man has broken the most important law we have. He claims to be that God we worship. The council won't have it. They don't just want him punished. They want him dead. (SHE EXITS) HORDEDEF: In Egypt, we have many gods--more gods than can be counted. But with the many we already have, there's always room for one more. LUCIUS: Same with us. (sarcastically) We Romans like to think of our gods as a......community. CRASSIUS (to all): But not the Jews. They got it into their heads that in all the heavens there's room for only one god. SEKHTI: It's a curious god who wishes people to be so easily put to death. PETER (looking down; too quietly for the others to hear): It's not God doing it. CRASSIUS: What did you say? PETER (showing some anger): I said, it's not God doing it. It's Caiaphas. LUCIUS (studying PETER): You speak like one of them. (taking a closer look) He is one of them, Crassius. PETER (flaring): I told you before! I'm not! CRASSIUS: But you do know what we're talking about, don't you. PETER: The word has traveled. And, like you said, I am from Galilee. [From this point on, CRASSIUS spends most of his time studying PETER.] SEKHTI: Well, whoever this man is, he sure has made a lot of enemies! CRASSIUS (looking at PETER): Oh, he has his followers, too. [PETER looks nervously away.] LUCIUS (now studying PETER): But the smart ones have made themselves scarce. CRASSIUS (edging closer to Peter): I would think this Jesus would have arranged for at least one of his followers to stay close by. Do you think so, Lucius? LUCIUS: Makes sense to me. [PETER gets up and begins moving away.] CRASSIUS (with intimidation): I also think that if we came across such a person it would be our duty to hold him for Caiaphas. LUCIUS (in a threatening tone): I think you're right, Crassius. PETER (running away, fearfully; shouting): I do not know this man! (he exits) [CRASSIUS and LUCIUS begin to exit after PETER in half-hearted pursuit, but are stopped by JERUSHA, who enters just as PETER exits. She is shaken by what she has witnessed inside the palace.] JERUSHA (to the soldiers): Hold it! You're supposed to take the prisoner. CRASSIUS: Now what? LUCIUS: Why don't they make up their minds! JERUSHA: They want you to take him to the Governor. CRASSIUS: Pilate will have our heads for bothering him with this. [LUCIUS and CRASSIUS exit.] (11) People in Glass Houses ---------------------- Read this episode in the gospel accounts (MAT 26:57-58, 69-75; MAR 14:53-54, 66-72; LUK 22:54-62; JOH 18:12-18, 25-27) and put yourself into the body and mind of Peter. Why did Peter react in the way he did? Was it simply cowardice? How could one so dedicated to the Lord behave in such a manner? How did Peter feel while he was denying Jesus? How did he feel after? Would you have behaved as Peter did? Finally, have you ever been in a contemporary situation similar to this? Go back and review that episode in your mind; analyze your actions, thoughts and motives. Was there any denial of Jesus in your behavior? If not in your actions, how about in your thoughts or emotions? ----------------------------------------------------------------- Perspective G R A C E T H R O U G H T H E E Y E S ------------ O F P A I N Grace taught my soul to pray, And made my eyes o'erflow; 'Tis grace has kept me to this day, And will not let me go.(12) _________________________ Scripture does not record the scene, but I think it would have been true to Peter's character for him to show up at the crucifixion of Jesus. It is pure conjecture on my part, but I think Peter would have been compelled--in his shame and remorse--to leave his solitary weeping and join those gathered on the periphery of the crowd. What thoughts must have filled his mind! When he had last seen Jesus, the Master's gaze had sliced into him like a knife. Jesus' anger--the same anger Peter had experienced many times before-- would have been welcome relief from the withering disappointment he felt in those eyes. Now from a safe distance, crouched beneath the crooked arms of an olive tree, he could no longer see the penetrating eyes of Jesus. Those eyes were staring at the ground, that precious and bloodied head was bowed down with the weight of the world's sin--Peter's sin. With his own face still damp from the tears of his cowardice, Peter watched as Jesus suffered the pain of Peter's sin just committed. His strong back should have borne the weight of that cross; that bloody and torn flesh should have been his; it should have been his blood flowing off that splintered wood. "Jesus, my Lord! I called you the Christ, and now I see: you really are! You are now paying the price of my transgression against you. Instead of hating me for denying you before others, you are now dying so that that sin will be forgiven. Jesus, my God and my Lord!" Again there are two perspectives: We are first drawn to Peter, because he is kin. In him we see acted out our own weaknesses, our own failure to consistently stand for the things of Christ and His kingdom. In Peter we see good intentions spoiled by the disease that infects us all: temporal sin. In Jesus, however, we see the good shepherd who patiently and lovingly tends His flock; then, because sheep will always go astray, He lays down His own life so that His sheep might be rescued.(13) _________________________ Grace Greater Than Our Sin Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt! Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured-- There where the blood of the lamb was spilt. Refrain: Grace, grace, God's grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within, Grace, grace, God's grace, grace that is greater than all our sin. Sin and despair, like the seawaves cold, Threaten the soul with infinite loss; Grace that is greater--yes, grace untold-- Points to the refuge, the mighty cross. Dark is the stain that we cannot hide-- What can avail to wash it away? Look! there is flowing a crimson tide-- Whiter than snow you may be today. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, Freely bestowed on all who believe! You that are longing to see His face, Will you this moment His grace receive?(14) _________________________ Simple Obediance and Quiet Trust "Christ's pattern is my law; Christ's providence is my guidance and defence--which in the present case means Christ's companionship--is my safety, my sustenance--which in the present case means that Christ Himself is the bread of my soul. The Good Shepherd exercises care, which absolves the sheep from care, and in the present case means that my only duty is meek following and quiet trust. 'I am the Good Shepherd'--here is guidance, guardianship, companionship, sustenance--all responsibility laid upon His broad shoulders, and all tenderness in His deep heart, and so for us simple obediance and quiet trust."(15) ----------------------------------------------------------------- Perspective T H E S C A R R E D R O C K ------------- [Enter Peter, the apostle. He is old, just a few years from his death. He sits at a small table which is set with a scroll, stylus and small bowl of ink. After a few second's consideration he begins to write, speaking the words as he pens his thoughts. Periodically he dips his stylus for more ink.] PETER: Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who were chosen long ago by God the Father and by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be cleansed by His blood.(16) [During the last phrase, Peter raises his eyes from his work. Then he stands, still voicing his thoughts but not writing. He walks about, choosing his words carefully.] Live as obedient children before God. Don't let your character be molded by the desires of your ignorant days, but be holy in every part of your lives, for the One who called you is Himself holy. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in His steps, (he begins to be moved by his words--and the memories they dredge up) who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, he uttered no threats, but continued to entrust Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. [Deeply moved by his memories, Peter turns to address the audience for the first time.] Is it not enough that I admitted my awful sin and received His forgiveness? Must I be plagued for the remainder of my journey by the guilt of that single act so long ago? No, it wasn't a single act; three times I did it and still feel the pain inside me--the same pain my denial must have inflicted upon Him. How can I tell these people (gesturing to desk) to love with a love in which I failed so miserably? These people know me by name only--my impeccable reputation that has spread across the lands. They know only that I walked with the Savior--not that I betrayed Him. Did I stand before mighty Herod, my insignificant life hanging by his every word? Did I stand before Pilate, as Jesus did, my very breath at his mercy? No, I stood before street people--people of the same station as I--and, whining like a pup, denied even knowing the One who earlier I had called the Son of God! How can I speak to them of obedience, when I failed my Lord so? How can I talk of suffering when I so easily ran from a chance to suffer with Him?....with Him! (pause; resolutely) He forgave me, and since He left I have accomplished much good in His name. But the scar is still there, emblazoned on my--my very human heart. (beginning to smile) That scar--that memory--is my permanent reminder of just how much He really loves me. Because He forgave and changed my name to Peter, the Rock! [Peter returns to his desk with great enthusiasm and joy, and continues writing.] Dear friends, do not be alarmed at the fiery ordeals which come to test your faith, as though they were some abnormal experience. You should be glad, because it means that you are called to share Christ's sufferings. One day, when He shows Himself in full splendor to men, you will be filled with the most tremendous joy! If you are reproached for being Christ's followers, that is a great privilege, for you can be sure that God's Spirit of glory is resting upon you. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. [Peter sets down his stylus, rolls up the scroll, tucks it under his arm; exclaiming as he exits.] All power is His for ever and ever! Amen.(17) ======================================================================== NOTES, COPYRIGHT & SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Notes ----- 1 LUK 22:31-34; MAR 14:31; LUK 22:54-62; JOH 21:1, 12, 15-17. 2 MAT 16:21-23; MAR 31-33. 3 MAT 19:27. 4 MAT 26:33-35; MAR 14:29-31; LUK 22:33-34; JOH 13:37-38. 5 MAT 26:51; MAR 14:47; LUK 22:50; JOH 18:10. 6 from JOH 21:20-21. 7 MAT 16:18. 8 MAT 16:17 9 MAT 16:13-19 10 MAT 16:21-23 11 The Essence of His Death: Act 1, Scene 3; Copyright c 1988 David S. Lampel. Page 33 in the His Company Catalog, Order #3A2. 12 Philip Doddridge, in You Can Say That Again: An Anthology of Words Fitly Spoken (Zondervan, 1991), compiled and arranged by R.E.O. White. 13 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep." -JOH 10:11-15 NIV 14 Julia H. Johnston, Hymn #201 in The Hymnal for Worship & Celebration (WORD, 1986). 15 Alexander Maclaren on JOH 10:14-15, in his Expositions of Holy Scripture (Baker, 1984), Vol 10, p.35 16 The scripture portion of The Scarred Rock is from selected passages of 1 Peter. 17 The Scarred Rock, Copyright c 1985, 1990 David S. Lampel. One in a series of 12 Disciple Sketches, page 42 in the His Company Catalog, Order #MON4. Copyright Information --------------------- All original material in Aspects is Copyright (C) 1995 David S. Lampel. This data file is the sole property of David S. Lampel. It may not be altered or edited in any way. It may be reproduced only in its entirety for circulation as "freeware," without charge. All reproductions of this data file must contain the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright (C) 1995 David S. Lampel."). This data file may not be used without the permission of David S. Lampel for resale or the enhancement of any other product sold. This includes all of its content. Brief quotations not to exceed more than 500 words may be used, with the appropriate copyright notice, to enhance or supplement personal or church devotions, newsletters, journals, or spoken messages. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture is from the New International Version. NIV quotations are from the Holy Bible: New International Version, Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission. NASB quotations are from the New American Standard Bible (C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation. 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