John…on Love

There are many kinds of people. There are four kinds of leadership personality styles which overlap in many different ways. Have you ever been involved in a committee meeting where a new idea was presented? Have you ever just sat for a bit to watch the different personality styles emerge, one by one, as people get deeper and more intense into the discussion? I am a people watcher, therefore, I am fascinated by the way people, God’s created people, problem solve.

One might say, “I see it, let’s just do it…immediately. There’s no time to waste!”

Another might say, “Does anyone else want coffee or donuts? I can get some more.” And if we do this I know who to call to make it happen by the way, because I know quite a few people…and let’s celebrate with a party when we do, oooh, I can plan that party!”

Yet another might say, “Now, wait a minute, have we done the research to see if this is the right thing to do? Is it possible? Has it been proven elsewhere? How much is this going to cost? Do you have a spread sheet so we can analyze this before we just jump in?” Is this change really necessary?

And finally, the last to speak up, while straightening all his pens and pads of paper filled with notes in perfect columns with headers, says, “Unless we can justify every cost, come up with the perfect plan, in a perfect place, I’m perfectly aware that I cannot support this.”

There is a problem in today’s passage as we approach the completion of Jesus’ mission on earth. Jesus is being arrested, fulfilling Scripture. Peter, bless his heart, reacts. He jumps to action without consulting Jesus or anyone else. With the above information, who is Peter? I will let you decide, but more importantly, what does Jesus tell Peter and how important is that to us?

John 18, The Message
10 Just then Simon Peter, who was carrying a sword, pulled it from its sheath and struck the Chief Priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. Malchus was the servant’s name.

11 Jesus ordered Peter, “Put back your sword. Do you think for a minute I’m not going to drink this cup the Father gave me?”

It’s interesting the John tattles on Peter in his retelling of this incident of the gospel. John, the beloved, also includes the order given Peter…”Do you think for a minute I’m not going to drink this cup”…fulfill what the prophets said?…do what the Father sent me to do?…I must lay down my life for you, Peter…and for the rest of the sinful world.

Wow. Think about it. Peter reacted. Jesus performed once last act of physical healing to protect what might have been done to Peter had he not, protecting His own, from themselves. Peter, the “rock” that Jesus will build his church upon, reacts. Peter will later deny Him, but Jesus will die and rise again for Him, look into his eyes, forgive Him completely and send Peter out to seek and to save lost people. Circle completed. There are so many thoughts here. These are just a few. Glean, for yourself, from this short portion of Scripture that speaks volumes to us.

Thoughts to ponder:
–Do we react to situations without having “a little talk with Jesus” (sorry, a favorite old gospel song)?
–Do we know our message, our enemy, ourselves and our audience well so that we make the most of opportunities to declare His glory?
–We need to pray to see others through Jesus’ eyes, learn to appreciate their created style and work with all four, overlapping personality styles.
–There is nothing wrong with anyone’s style. We are just different and we need to appreciate each other for that difference.
–It’s takes all four styles to accomplish Kingdom goals in the most excellent way or God would not of wired us this way.

AND think for a moment…Jesus “drank the cup”, died and rose again…for you. For me. For all who will believe and accept Him as Savior and Lord. Wow.

Dear Heavenly Father, There is so much here that it took me a day to let all these thoughts simmer a bit in my mind. There is still more to think about and learn, as always. For now, I am grateful for Your salvation, Your leaving glory, to lay down Your life for us. Continue to teach us, be with us and help us to focus on You, see others with Your reflection of light in their eyes and learn to work with each other in the most excellent way…with unconditional love for You and each other. In Jesus Name, Amen