THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, September 4, 2023

Lord, all humanity searches for meaning to their existence. Andrew and John were no different. They were searching for meaning when they followed John the Baptist. Then, they encountered you, Jesus. When they began to follow you, their lives were never the same. Andrew had to go find his brother, Simon, and tell him the good news.  

Scripture describes how Simon could be hardheaded and obnoxious when he chose to be. Fiercely his own man, he worked long hours, and unlike Andrew, didn’t have time to chase after preachers, looking for some kind of savior. But he couldn’t deny something had changed Andrew. When he dragged Simon to meet Jesus, what did Simon expect to find?

Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon son of John—but you will be called “Cephas” (which means ‘Peter’)”—(John 1:45).

Peter’s skepticism rose. Who is this man that’s changing my name? How does he know me?

Jesus implied to Peter: I know who you are, your flaws, your skepticisms. You are not yet the man you are supposed to be. I came to change you into the man I created you to be. Follow me. You can’t imagine the significant life I have for you.

As Christ followers, most did not know what to expect when we came to you. We cannot hide anything since you know everything about us. Our good and bad, our fears and insecurities, our joys and disappointments—everything about us—is open before you. Like Simon Peter, you desire to change us into the person you created us to be. You have assigned a role for each one you call into your Kingdom.

Lord, like Simon, maybe we were not looking for you, but through the faithfulness of others, you came looking for us. You gave us a new name: (your name here), significant son/daughter of the Lord God Most High. Thank you, Jesus.

Big time Amen!