As we begin a new book, we
turn our interest to the author. This book was written by Peter who
was one of the original disciples of Jesus Christ. He is writing
these words toward the end of his life, quite possibly the last year
of his life in 68 A.D., and he is sharing his final words with his
readers. He has been influenced by the gospel, changed by the gospel,
and promoted the gospel of Jesus Christ for many years, and his words
are directed toward those who would remain after his demise. In
chapter one and verse one we read:
Simon Peter, a servant
and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like
precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our
Saviour Jesus Christ:
The verse begins, “Simon...”.
This was Peter's original given name, and often we have heard it
means “shifting sand”, however there is a subtle change in the
word Peter employs as he begins this letter. He uses the Greek word
“Symeōn” which
means “hearkening” rather than the word “Simōn”
which is used throughout the gospels and the book of Acts. “Simon”
means “a rock or stone”. Therein lies the quiet hint that rather
than being a person who is solid in their relationship with the Lord
Jesus at one time, and not so solid the next, Peter has found the
best way toward stability is to hearken or listen.
He
next uses the word “Peter”
which is the Greek word “Petros” and it means “a rock or a
stone”. This is the name that Jesus gave to him shortly after their
first engagement while He was on the earth. Peter's brother Andrew
heard Jesus speak and brought him to Jesus as recorded in the gospel
of John in chapter one. Jesus also called Simon “Cephas”
which means “a stone”, and though it was very early in his
relationship with Jesus, Jesus could already see in Peter a man who
would be solidly committed to Him and to the spreading of His word.
There
is indeed at times “something in a name”. Peter who when we read
of his accounts with Jesus and his subsequent adventures with the
gospel may have seemed quite unstable at times. We should be able to
relate to him, and we can learn from this subtle alteration of word
choice as he names himself at the beginning of this book.
“Hearkening” or listening to our Savior Jesus is one of the best
positions we may take in life if we are ever going to be solid in our
relationship with Him. Perhaps this will be our question for
pondering today, “Am I hearkening or listening to the Lord
regularly in my life?”
Next
time we will discover how Peter sees himself in light of his
relationship to Jesus, so read ahead, and we shall join together
then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want
to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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