Journey to Pentecost

April 27, 2010    John 21.17-18

There have been many of them.  Several as of late.  You know!  Those movies and ideologically based attempts to let us catch a glimpse of our own mortality.   They are devised to wake us up.  They are there to bring to an awareness that if we had thirty, sixty or ninety days to live we would probably make better choices with our life, our resources and our relationships.  We would probably be more proactive with softer attitudes, broader tolerances, increasing forgiveness and righteous smiles.  We would just probably approach life a little different.

Simon Peter was given a “mortality window” by Jesus.  He was shown how he would die but not when he would die.  Still, would you like someone doing that with you?  What Jesus was trying to say to Peter is mere speculation.  We know what He said but we can only guess as to why He was speaking in the terms of Peter’s life ending.  Peter would die the death of a martyr some 34 years after this event.   History teaches us that Peter died in Rome and was hung upside down because he felt unworthy to die as his Master, Jesus Christ.

What about you?  What if you were to leave your doctor’s office and had been told you have only a season to live?  What would you do?  Who would you speak to?  What would you give away?  What would you keep?  Who would you seek forgiveness from?  Who would you show more love to?  These are all valid questions and point to a mere “what if” scenario.  But what if it were true?  What would you do? 

Jesus was quick to bring Simon Peter the place of life and resurrection life.  Through death we can live.  We die out to the old man and live in the new resurrection man.  We exchange the old for the new.  We put off the old man.  We walk away from a former life style.  We turn our behavior and focus on newness of life   Jesus explained to Simon Peter how he would die.  Could you have handled that?   Most could not!

Here is what we have to realize. Death precedes resurrection life.  It works that way and in the physical and spiritual realm.  Sometimes people are given an insight as to how they will die but not when they will die.   As you work your way toward Pentecost Sunday I want you to realize that reaching a Pentecostal experience in the fullness of the Holy Spirit   – somethings will have to die.   You may have to walk away from some earthly, carnal and non-spiritual attitudes, accept some people you don’t think you can accept.  You may have put to death that ugly thing inside most of us – the independent self. 

Self will get in the way headed to Pentecost.  Self will talk you out of pursuing your destiny.  You can’t afford that to happen.   Self is what Jesus was trying to get Simon Peter to deny…which he finally did.  Can you deny yourself and push toward Pentecost?   Can you get past the here and now and try to receive what Jesus has ordained you to receive?  Time heals all wounds…or so they say. 

What has Jesus revealed to you lately that you’re uncomfortable with?  Attitude?  Unforgiveness?  Bitterness?  Anger?  Jealousy?  The list could go on and on.   Again, Jesus wanted Simon Peter to “fess up” and move forward.  I wonder what would have happened if Simon had not taken his direction and guidance to heart?  Really don’t want to think about it.  Be blessed.