Sharp Enough to Follow Jesus?

What would be your most embarrassing moment?

I once heard of a robbery suspect in Los Angeles, who during a lineup, just couldn't control himself. When detectives asked each man in the lineup to repeat the words: ‘Give me all your money or I'll shoot,’ the man shouted, ‘That's not what I said!’

I deeply appreciate the honesty of the Bible writers. They even record their embarrassing moments. Take Peter, for example: this blustering, no-nonsense fisherman, opening his mouth at the wrong time, making great promises.

In the early hours one morning, Peter and his companions were battling a storm in a flimsy boat on Lake Galilee. Struggling against the wind, Jesus comes to them walking on water. They are absolutely petrified – they think it’s a ‘spook’.

Yet Peter jumps out of the boat, trying to walk on water and almost drowns himself. Jesus catches Peter, but the question is telling: 'You of little faith. Why did you doubt?’

Now it is both weird and wonderful that God has given us all different personalities. From steady to erratic, noisey to quiet, spontaneous to measured. Some are conservative, others live right on the edge.

It’s not so much your character though that matters, but the one you depend on. Peter wasn’t perfect, but for all his inconsistencies, he was sharp enough to know, follow and worship the Son of God.

There are so many voices to hear in our world. So many gurus, so many experts clamoring for our attention. That's why our fall 2023 teaching series was called ‘Jesus on . . .’ - a chance to hear from Jesus, the only Son of God.

May you know, follow and worship too. —Rev. Greg Webster

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