Phil Meade – NorthStar Church Blog

Digging Deeper: Jesus – Name Above All Names, Lord of All

Phil Meade on December 20, 2024

⁹Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father

Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)

JESUS: NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES, LORD OF ALL

Jesus was rewarded for His humble obedience. Notice that Jesus was exalted by His Father and not by Himself (v. 9a). The people He came to save, for the most part, despised Him, but His Father glorified Him. He was given a name above all others and did not take the name Himself (v. 9b). He willingly gave up His heavenly title and was rewarded with a name above all others. Kennedy notes, “He might have used the miraculous powers inherent in His Divine nature in such a way as to compel men, without further ado, to worship Him as God. Instead of that, He was willing to attain this high dignity by the path of humiliation, suffering, and death.”

Getting on one’s knees is the ultimate symbol of total submission. Jesus bowed His knees in obedient submission, but all will one day bow their knees in recognition of Him (v. 10). Paul is not speaking of simply bowing as a show of respect. Rather, he is referring to a universal acknowledgment of all that Jesus represents—His majesty and power as the Lord of lords and the King of kings. It has been said, “Be careful of falling in the trap of externally bending your knee, but internally failing to ‘bow your heart,’ for the former gains men’s attention, but only the latter pleases God” (preceptaustin.org).

While on Earth, Jesus held His tongue when others defamed Him, but every tongue will ultimately speak His name (v. 11). Paul wrote this letter while in prison. In the Roman culture of Paul’s day, one was required to declare, “Caesar is Lord.” Many Christians were killed for refusing to perform this act of idolatry. Paul knew that a day was coming when all would know of Jesus and declare His name as Lord. Keith Krell forcefully reminds us: “Not all will be saved, but all will confess that Jesus is Lord. Here is your choice: Trust Him today as your Savior from sin and spend eternity with God and with those who love Him, or confess Him when you stand before Him as the Lord of creation and spend eternity separated from Him.”

Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi serves as a stark contrast. He begins by reminding his readers to avoid selfishness and conceit, humbly walking in obedient servitude to achieve unity within the church. He then reminds them of the model of a life of humble obedience—obedience unto death—that Jesus led. Jesus gave up everything for us and was rewarded with everything in return.

As we celebrate the birth of the perfect Lamb of God, I am reminded of the old hymn “I Hear the Savior Say (Jesus All in All)”:

And when, before the throne, I stand in Him complete,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
My lips shall still repeat –
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

Merry Christmas to all!

Diggin Deeper (er):

Isaiah 45:23; John 10:18; Rom 5:19

Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

Digging Deeper: Jesus – Humble, Obedient, Suffering Servant

Phil Meade on December 19, 2024

⁸And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross

Philippians 2:8 (ESV)

JESUS: HUMBLE, OBEDIENT, SUFFERING SERVANT

As mentioned yesterday, Jesus came down from Heaven not in the form of royalty but as a newborn. Jesus’ life is marked by humble obedience: He was born in a stable and laid in a manger (a feeding trough). He lived in a humble family and grew up as a carpenter’s son. He waited patiently for 30 years before beginning His ministry. He came not with trumpets blaring but to the water’s edge to be baptized. He did not associate with the high-born but with the lowly and the despised. He washed the feet of His followers, including the feet of the one who would soon betray Him. Finally, He never reviled those who persecuted and crucified Him; instead, He humbly endured to fulfill God’s ultimate plan.

Barclay’s Study Bible notes:

“The great characteristics of Jesus’ life were humility, obedience, and self-renunciation. He did not desire to dominate men but only to serve them; he did not desire his own way but only God’s way; he did not desire to exalt himself but only to renounce all his glory for the sake of men.”

Paul told the church in Rome:

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight” (Rom. 12:16, ESV).

Humility is simply thinking less of oneself and more of others. Jesus often reminded His disciples that the last will be first, and the first will be last. The servant and the slave are highly exalted, while the proud are humbled and brought low.

I believe the greatest outward expression of humility is obedience. Jesus was obedient in all things to the will of the Father, even unto death. Charles Spurgeon expresses it beautifully:

“Obedience is the best humility, laying yourself at the feet of Jesus, and making your will active only when you know what it is God’s will for you to do. This is to be truly humble.”

Consider the contrast between the nature of the first Adam and the second Adam. The first Adam was prideful, self-serving, and ultimately disobedient. In contrast, the second Adam, Jesus, was humble, selfless, and completely obedient. Now compare their final outcomes: the first Adam was banished from a perfect garden, toiled in the dirt, and experienced pain and death. The second Adam willingly left a perfect Heaven, lived among the “dirty” of this world, and also experienced pain and death. Adam died and returned to the dust, while Jesus died, was raised again, and is highly exalted by His Father in Heaven.

Selfless, humble obedience is advanced Christianity. As fallen human beings, we will always be at war with our worldly desires. However, Paul reminds us:

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal. 5:24, ESV).

We must put to death our pride and passions. Jesus was obedient, even unto death on a cross. We can honor and praise Him most when we humbly obey and walk in His footsteps, serving others along the way.

Diggin Deeper (er):

Heb 5:8; Isaiah 53

Digging Deeper: Jesus – Glory Incarnate

Phil Meade on December 18, 2024

⁵Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men

Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)

JESUS: GLORY INCARNATE

As we approach this Christmas season, it is important to remember the “reason for the season.” God loved us so much that He gave us the ultimate gift. Jesus willingly left Heaven—a glorious place beyond our comprehension—to enter a dark world. He did not come as a triumphant king, as was expected, but as a baby, born in a manger. He became like us while still being fully divine. Steven Cole beautifully reminds us:

“There can be no greater example of lowering oneself than what Jesus did on our behalf. If your heart is cold toward the things of God, think on who Jesus is and on what He did in leaving the splendor and purity of heaven and coming to this wicked world to be made sin on your behalf. It should fill our hearts with love and devotion and make us realize that no personal sacrifice we make, no humiliation we go through, can ever match what our glorious Savior did for us!”

Paul notes that Jesus “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped” (v. 6b). The King James translation reads that Jesus “thought it not robbery to be equal with God” (v. 6b). The Greek translation of the word “robbery” means to “grasp, cling to, clutch, or retain at all costs.” Jesus was (and is) God. He had every right to assert that privilege while here on Earth. However, He laid down that right (while still being fully God and fully man), choosing not to cling to the treasure of Heaven or clutch the prize of being in the form of God.

Paul reminds his readers how far Jesus went on their behalf. Jesus “emptied himself,” “taking the form of a servant” (v. 7a). When Jesus emptied Himself, He did not give up His possession of deity but rather His expression of deity. He did not relinquish His glory but veiled it for a time. He took on the form of humanity, notably coming to Earth in the form of a servant (v. 7b). Ponder that dichotomy: Jesus, the Son of God, coequal with God, came to Earth as a lowly servant. Remember, in those days, servants (bondservants or slaves in various translations) were the lowest of the low. They had no rights or privileges. Jesus loved us enough to “serve, and not be served” (cf. Mark 10:45).

Christmas is called the “season of giving,” but often that sentiment is overlooked. Let us take a moment during this busy time of year to ponder all that Jesus gave up for us. He never once asked, “What’s in it for me?” He did not take selfies or promote Himself on TikTok or Facebook (though He was the ultimate social influencer long before the age of social media).

As you reflect, consider following Jesus’ example: empty yourself of whatever status you see yourself possessing. Serve others out of love for them and love for God. Do this in remembrance of the precious gift He gave!

Diggin Deeper (er):

John 1:14; 2 Cor 4:6; Heb 1:3

Digging Deeper: Who/ What Defines You?

Phil Meade on December 17, 2024

³Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NASB)

WHO/ WHAT DEFINES YOU

Henry Morris writes:

“A modern psychological ploy is to attribute many personal and social problems to individual lack of self-esteem. The Scriptures, however, urge each of us to have other-esteem, not self-esteem. Our real problem is self-centeredness and too much self-esteem. However, Paul urges us to be lowly-minded, not high-minded, seeking the good of others, not concerned with ourselves.”

I have led DivorceCare at NorthStar for many years. One of the topics for discussion is “self-worth.” Quite often, the attendees struggle with basing their self-worth and identity on the failure of their marriage. They see themselves as “divorced people.” I try to stress to them that their worth as God’s creation is not in self, but in Him.

If you are a Christian, your identity is in Jesus. As Paul told the church in Corinth:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17, ESV).

I have been guilty of basing my identity on my job title. That mistaken “self-esteem” became readily apparent when I retired in January. Now, I am just me. I know in my mind that my worth is based on how Jesus sees me, but as a fallen creation, I sometimes struggle with seeing that as “enough.” I ask you today: What (or whom) is your identity based on?

If our old identity has truly passed away, then humility and servitude should naturally follow. Humility was a foreign concept in the ancient Greek and Roman cultures; it was seen as a sign of weakness. Jesus came preaching humility and servitude, turning the culture completely upside down. The great theologian and pastor Jonathan Edwards writes:

“True humility is not putting ourselves down but rather lifting up others. If we concentrate on lifting up others, putting down ourselves will take care of itself. As we go through life exalting Christ and others, then genuine humility will be inevitable. If we exalt ourselves, then God will take care of our humiliation, for He promises to humble the proud. It is much less painful to do it the first way.”

Let that last sentence sink in.

Paul reminds us to humbly consider others more important than ourselves (v. 3b) and to look out for the interests of others (v. 4b). I have always found it interesting how Paul begins verse 4 by mentioning our own interests. That always seemed antithetical to humility. However, if you look closely, you will see the word “merely” (or “only” in some translations) at the beginning of the passage. Our own basic needs are important to us, and Paul is not discouraging us from satisfying those needs. What he is saying is that we must put away selfish ambition, conceit, and pride.

David Guzik summarizes:

“If I consider you above me and you consider me above you, then a marvelous thing happens: we have a community where everyone is looked up to, and no one is looked down on.”

Tomorrow—Jesus steps out of Heaven.

Diggin Deeper (er):

James 4:6; Luke 14:11; Mark 9:35

Digging Deeper: Mine!

Phil Meade on December 16, 2024

²make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. ³Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians 2:2-4 (NASB)

MINE!

Paul is writing this letter to the church at Philippi while imprisoned in Rome under the emperor Nero. The church at Philippi is dear to Paul and has been a major financial contributor to his mission. He writes to remind the church to continue living in harmony (v. 2) and warns them of stumbling blocks to maintaining that unity (vv. 3-4).

The first issue Paul addresses is selfishness. I have heard it said numerous times that a child does not need to be taught to be selfish. I am sure one of the first words my children learned (other than “Dada,” of course) was “mine.” I did not have to teach them that word—it just came naturally. When push comes to shove, we all tend to look out for our own interests. Paul distinctly reminds his readers to “do nothing” out of self-interest. That is about as black-and-white as it gets! Hard to read? Perhaps. Harder to practice? I will let you answer that one.

Next, Paul addresses empty conceit (from the Greek kenodoxia: kenos = empty, vain, hollow, groundless; doxa = glory, praise, or opinion). Webster’s defines conceit as “excessive appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue.” By adding the word “empty,” Paul emphasizes that a person’s conceit is groundless—not based on actual accomplishments—and a mere façade. James notes:

“For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits” (James 1:11, ESV).

James gives a stern reminder not to live a life of selfish ambition and empty conceit. In the end, it all withers, falls, perishes, and fades away!

John MacArthur observes:

“Whereas selfish ambition pursues personal goals, empty conceit seeks personal glory and acclaim. The former pertains to personal accomplishments; the latter to an overinflated self-image. Understandably, a person with such conceit considers himself always to be right and expects others to agree with him. The only unity he seeks or values is centered on himself.”

Tomorrow, we will discuss Paul’s solution to our “self” problem.

Diggin Deeper (er):

Rom 12:16; Gal 5:26; Gal 6:3

Digging Deeper: How Do I Rejoice in Suffering?

Phil Meade on September 13, 2024

⁵who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:5-9 (ESV)

HOW DO I REJOICE IN SUFFERING?

As Peter begins to comfort his grieving (literally a “sense of heaviness”) audience as they are grieved by various trials, he begins verse 6 with, “In this you rejoice.” I always thought that was an odd way to begin a message about suffering. No one enjoys suffering, much less rejoices (literally “jumps for joy”) over it. However, Peter is using the beginning of verse 6 to remind his readers what they have to rejoice in – being born again to a living hope; an eternal inheritance; guarded for their salvation (v. 3-5) – despite their current travails. As Poole comments, “How could they be in heaviness, and yet rejoice? Their grief and joy were about different objects; they might be in heaviness by reason of present afflictions, and rejoice in hope of future glory; they might grieve as men, and rejoice as saints; sense of suffering might affect them, and yet the faith of better things coming relieve them. If their heaviness did in any degree abate their joy, yet it did not wholly hinder it; and though their joy did overcome their heaviness, yet it did not wholly exclude it.” I love how Poole says that their joy can overcome their heaviness (grief in v. 6), but not necessarily eliminate their grief.

What then is the purpose of these “various trials” (v. 6b)? It is to “test the genuineness” of one’s faith (v. 7a). As Barclay notes, “every trial is another test to strengthen and to purify our faith, and because at the end of it, Jesus Christ is waiting to say, ‘Well done!’ to all his faithful servants.” If you are like me, I am sure there have been times when you did not perform at your best while experiencing life’s trials. We can’t imagine Jesus saying “well done,” based on our earthly standards. Fortunately for us, God sees us through the blood of His Son. As E. G. Selwyn writes, “If the eye of faith endures, the day will come when it will be the eye of sight, and we shall see face to face and know even as we are known.”

The outcome of our genuine faith should result in “praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (v. 7b). We love and believe and rejoice and are filled with glory (v. 8). Hang in there. Keep trusting. Be encouraged that Christ has “overcome the world” (John 16:33). The prize at the end of the journey is well worth it – the “salvation of our souls” (v. 9)!

Diggin Deeper (er):

John 16:33; 2 Cor 1:5; Rom 8:18

Digging Deeper: Death, Where is Thy Sting?

Phil Meade on September 12, 2024

. . . Death is swallowed up in victory. ⁵⁵O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

1 Corinthians 15:54b-55 (KJV)

. . . to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

1 Peter 1:3b-4 (ESV)

DEATH, WHERE IS THY STING?

Perhaps the most common fear among humanity is the fear of death. This fear stems not only from the finality of death, but from the uncertainty of what lies beyond the grave. We as Christians should not fear death, as we believe the Bible clearly states that death is only final for our earthly bodies, and there is a destination after death for all people. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians (passage above), death was defeated once and for all on the cross.

Peter continues to encourage his audience by reminding them of the promises of Jesus Christ. By the grace of God, through faith in His Son, we can be born again, to a living hope (v. 3b). That hope is based on the work of Jesus (his death and resurrection, v. 3b). It is not a hope such as the hope for a job, a relationship, or some other worldly accomplishment. This is hope that should encourage us in our valleys. We become heirs to eternal life (v. 4a). This inheritance cannot pass away, cannot be spoiled, and never fades (v. 4b). Barclay astutely reminds us, “On our journey through this world to eternity we are protected by the power of God through faith . . . It means that our life is garrisoned by God and that he stands sentinel over us all our days. The man who has faith never doubts, even when he cannot see him, that God is standing within the shadows keeping watch upon his own. It is not that God saves us from the troubles and the sorrows and the problems of life; but he enables us to conquer them and march on.”

I lost my oldest brother in the spring of 2023. He was a strong Christian husband, father, and man. He died of Alzheimer’s, and that was my first experience with that vicious disease. I saw him in his last days, and although he did not recognize me, I believe I saw some glint of recognition reflected from his soul in his eyes. I also believe that despite his physical and mental infirmities, his spirit inside was at peace, and in great joy. His journey was almost at an end, and he fought the good fight. All who loved him were discouraged, but those of us who believe (including his wife) knew that God promises to, “. . . wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21:4, ESV). We can all be encouraged by that promise!

Diggin Deeper (er):

Heb 2:14-15; Rev 2:10

Digging Deeper: God So Loved the World

Phil Meade on September 11, 2024

¹⁶“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (ESV)

. . . To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia ²according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. ³Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again.

1 Peter 1:1b-3b (ESV)

GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD

Peter calls his readers “elect,” chosen by the “foreknowledge of God the Father” (v. 1-2a). As Hiebert notes, “The opening characterization of the readers as elect was meant to strengthen and encourage them in their affliction. The doctrine of election is a ‘family truth’ intended to foster the welfare of believers.” Peter is addressing the exiles as one of the family of Christ; loved, and not forsaken.

If you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you are a member of the family of God. He loves us enough to send his only Son to die for our sins, to provide a bridge to span the chasm that exists due to our sinful nature. According to Peter, the Triune God is at work: the Father, who plans with purpose and foreknowledge; the Holy Spirit, who activates the plan (sanctifies/sets apart); and, Jesus, the object of our worship and instrument of our salvation, who sprinkles with His blood to bridge that chasm (v. 2b). As Barclay comments, “It is in the purpose of God that the Christian is called. It is by the work of the Holy Spirit that his life is hallowed towards God. It is by the sprinkling of the blood of Christ that he is cleansed from past sin and dedicated to future obedience to God.”

Peter reminds his readers that God, in His great mercy, causes us to be born again (v. 3b). Peter wishes them grace and peace (v. 2b), despite their trying circumstances. When we get discouraged, we should always remember that we are loved, immeasurably! God has shown us mercy (even in our sin), not punishing us with what we deserve. He has extended His infinite grace, blessing us with what we did not earn. How can we become discouraged knowing that blessed truth?

Think back to a time in your life when you experienced discouragement. Now, think of the person who came alongside you and loved on you. What sacrifice did they make to comfort and encourage you? What road did they walk enabling them to be the perfect person to encourage you? Now imagine how much infinitely more Jesus loves you, to give His life for you!

Diggin Deeper (er):

Gal 2:20; 1 Thess 1:4

Digging Deeper: Sojourners in a Foreign Land

Phil Meade on September 10, 2024

¹³These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

Hebrews 11:13 (ESV)

¹Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia

1 Peter 1:1 (ESV)

SOJOURNERS IN A FOREIGN LAND

Peter addresses the people as “exiles,” which also translates to strangers, pilgrims, and foreigners – a temporary “sojourner” in a foreign land. In the ancient manuscript The Epistle to Diognetus, the author gives his definition of what pilgrims are: “They inhabit the lands of their birth, but as temporary residents of it; they take their share of all responsibilities as citizens, and endure all disabilities as aliens. Every foreign land is their native land, and every native land a foreign land… they pass their days upon earth, but their citizenship is in heaven.”

In the book of Hebrews, chapter 11 (colloquially known as the “faith hall-of-fame”), the writer notes that the heroes of the OT were “strangers and exiles on the earth” (Heb 11:13). The writer is referring to Abraham and Sarah, who were sojourners in a foreign land. They had every reason to be discouraged, as they had to wait many years for the promised-son from God to arrive. They never lost hope, and kept their faith even in the depths of discouragement.

Jesus reminded his disciples that, ¹⁹“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19, ESV). Jesus is trying to warn his disciples of their coming persecution. He knows that they will be deeply discouraged at times, and all but one will be martyred for their faith. However, as Dods notes, “The hatred of the world, instead of being depressing, should be exhilarating, as being an evidence and guarantee that they have been chosen by Christ.”

Being a follower of Jesus is no guarantee of an easy life (quite the opposite, actually). We are “in” the world, but we are not “of” the world. Obviously, we are called to engage in this life, which at times can be a discouraging journey. We are also to keep our eyes focused on the life to come, which should serve as a source of encouragement as we face the inevitable storms. In my former life as an airline pilot, I kept my suitcase at home always partially packed, only changing out what was needed for my upcoming trip. We should treat our Christian journey on earth in a similar fashion. Always be packed and ready to travel – this is not your home!

Diggin Deeper (er):

Ex 23:9; Eph 2:19

Digging Deeper: Encouragement from the Quintessential Discouraged

Phil Meade on September 9, 2024

¹Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia

1 Peter 1:1 (ESV)

ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE QUINTESSENTIAL DISCOURAGED

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion…” Thus begins a letter written by Peter (probably in the mid-60s AD) to believers (mostly Gentile, some Jewish) who had dispersed (Greek: Diaspora) due to persecution because of their faith. The five geographic locations mentioned in verse 1 were all provinces in what is modern-day Turkey. He is writing to encourage and reassure his audience as they struggle with continued persecution and suffering. I find it ironic that the apostle who most likely experienced the worst depths of discouragement could now lift up these people experiencing similar lows.

Let’s jump back in history thirty years or so from the time of this letter. Simon (Peter): fisherman, brother of Andrew, one of the first of the “twelve” to be called by Jesus, and the first of the disciples to boldly (no surprise there) declare Jesus as the “Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16, ESV). He was nicknamed Cephas (Aramaic for “rock”) by Jesus—the rock on whom Jesus would build His church. You may ask how this “rock” of faith could be discouraged, especially after spending three years following the Son of God.

Peter was never afraid to speak his mind, and he often got out “over his skis.” He walked on water (Matt. 14) until he looked down, took his eyes off Jesus, and down he went—discouraged. He declared Jesus the Son of God (Matt. 16:16). Yet a few verses later in the story, he brashly “rebukes” Jesus, to which Jesus replies, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me” (Matt. 16:23)—discouraged (and probably stunned)! Finally, despite declaring just hours earlier that he was ready to die with Jesus (Luke 22), Jesus’ words rang true in Peter’s ears as the rooster crowed following Peter’s denial of Jesus—discouraged (and crushed)!

Fast forward: the resurrected Jesus appears to His disciples on the beach while they are offshore fishing. John recognizes Jesus, and Peter jumps into the water to get to shore (always the first to act). After breakfast, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, using a different form of the word “love” each time. Peter adamantly and repeatedly answers yes (John 21). I believe this is Jesus’ way of telling Peter he is forgiven, three times. Each time Peter says yes, one of his denials gets erased. The discouraged becomes the encouraged!

I don’t know the road you have traveled to discouragement, but I do know (from experience) that Jesus knows. He knew Peter’s heart was heavy, and He encouraged him with pure love. Peter had to walk that road to be the “rock” of the future church, with Jesus’ encouragement. We all have walked that road. Let Jesus encourage you with His love! Use that discouragement to become an encourager for others.

Diggin Deeper (er):

1 Thess 5:11; Deut 31:8