The Apostle Peter authored the book of 1st Peter and 2nd Peter. He was amongst the first group of disciples who followed Jesus. When He first encountered Jesus, this is what the Bible has to tell us in John 1:41-42 (NIV).
Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”).
From this point on, he was called Peter. Other translations will still refer to him as Simon Peter, however, Jesus said he will be called “Peter”. This is Peter’s encounter with the Lord gradually unfolding. Amen. In the context of appreciating the relational attribute of the Lord, we see that one attribute that stands out between Peter and the Lord is that of confidence. Peter grew to a place where he was so confident in the Lord. This confidence began manifesting itself right after his encounter with Jesus as “Messiah” (Christ). Peter began by effortlessly accepting a name change and secondly, he left behind everything he had worked to follow Jesus. Amen.
When we genuinely encounter Jesus as the Messiah (Christ), we experience transformation and a name change. Remember this was the case with Saul who was later called Paul after his encounter with the Lord. The significance of the name change is beyond a physical change but a spiritual change. It is noteworthy that the genuine encounter always precedes the name change and this name change which might not always be physical, have a tendency of changing our destiny. It has the potential of causing us to effortlessly leave behind the things we once held so dearly to for the sake of the kingdom.
Another situation that reveals the confidence Peter had in the Lord is recorded in Matthew 14:22-33 where Peter walked on water. Verse 28 is the verse of interest here. Peter said, “Lord if it is you, tell me to come on the water”. We see another situation where confidence was being emphasized. Peter was willing to walk on water for as long as it was the Lord. That is why when his focus shifted from the Lord to the wind, he began sinking. I believe that if Peter maintained His attention on the Lord, he should have continually walked on water until he met the Lord.
So, when it comes to the relational attribute of our Lord, one more thing we learn about Him is that He is reliable; He is trustworthy; He is someone you can put your confidence in.
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