S2 Ep2168: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 497 | New Thing Series — Part 52 | “Peter’s Vulnerability - Part 1” | Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 497 | New Thing Series — Part 52 | “Peter’s Vulnerability - Part 1” | Malcolm Cox

Introduction

A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'

We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s vulnerability.

“He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.” (Luke 5:3-7 NRSV)

Peter’s Vulnerability

• Peter has limited reasons to trust this teacher
• Jesus asks Peter to trust him in an area of Peter’s own expertise
• Jesus asks Peter to do something nonsensical
• Peter complies with Jesus’ instructions whether he feels good about it or not
• Peter’s trust is the channel for Jesus’ power

For Reflection

When we talk about trust, we are really talking about faith. And in this context as we talk about faith, we are talking about vulnerability. Jesus is testing Peter's willingness to be vulnerable. Will he do something that makes no sense to him? Will he do something that makes no sense to any sensible person? Will he do something that will make him look foolish to his colleagues, his friends, his family and the crowd? What's really going on here? I suggest it's not about the concept of faith, but love. Consider this quote:

“True vulnerability is too tender to trust with any except those who love us most.” Prayer in the Night, Tish Warren

In asking Peter to do this act, it looks to me as if Jesus is asking him the question “Do you love me?" — the key question we see at the end of John’s Gospel which we will come to in a future podcast. What difference would it make if you saw living by faith as a call to live out your love for Jesus, especially when it causes you to become vulnerable? When we confess our sins, talk to people about Jesus, tell friends our deepest fears and feelings, or offer help to the needy out of obedience to Jesus, we are making ourselves vulnerable, expressing trust and love for Jesus.

Why not take some time today to ask God to strengthen your willingness to be vulnerably obedient to Jesus?

Conclusion

I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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