“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”—Peter, 1 Peter 2:21

To walk in the steps of Jesus, we must do what He did.  Jesus always went to be with God first before doing anything of significance. The gospels burst with true stories of how Jesus moved into the neighborhood of humanity and brought God’s Love and Light to the darkness that had overwhelmed His people for centuries. Through Jesus’ sacrificially work of dying for our sins then rising to life, defeating death; God demonstrated His glory and power and relentless love for us—so others may believe, be transformed, and love Him back. 

Peter was a life changed so dramatically and transformed powerfully by Jesus who he came to know and love.  Peter left home to give his all to the One who would teach and equip him while walking with Jesus for three years.  Through Peter, “in Jesus Name,” the work Jesus began in the lives of people, is not only continuing but as Jesus promised, even “greater things are happening” ! 

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” –Jesus, John 14:12-14

Peter walks in His steps, in His Name, for God’s glory!  His message:  Believe and follow Jesus!

Acts 9, The Message

Tabitha

^32-35 Peter went off on a mission to visit all the churches. In the course of his travels he arrived in Lydda and met with the believers there. He came across a man—his name was Aeneas—who had been in bed eight years paralyzed. Peter said, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!” And he did it—jumped right out of bed. Everybody who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him walking around and woke up to the fact that God was alive and active among them.

^36-37 Down the road a way in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, “Gazelle” in our language. She was well-known for doing good and helping out. During the time Peter was in the area she became sick and died. Her friends prepared her body for burial and put her in a cool room.

^38-40 Some of the disciples had heard that Peter was visiting in nearby Lydda and sent two men to ask if he would be so kind as to come over. Peter got right up and went with them. They took him into the room where Tabitha’s body was laid out. Her old friends, most of them widows, were in the room mourning. They showed Peter pieces of clothing the Gazelle had made while she was with them. Peter put the widows all out of the room. He knelt and prayed. Then he spoke directly to the body: “Tabitha, get up.”

^40-41 She opened her eyes. When she saw Peter, she sat up. He took her hand and helped her up. Then he called in the believers and widows, and presented her to them alive.

^42-43 When this became known all over Joppa, many put their trust in the Master. Peter stayed on a long time in Joppa as a guest of Simon the Tanner.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Churches are popping up everywhere as groups of believers gather in Jesus Name!   Peter, led by God’s Holy Spirit is going to visit and encourage these new believers.  Jesus, who promised God’s Holy Spirit to help the disciples has now taken up full residence in the life of Peter.  Peter is doing what Jesus did, walking in the steps of Jesus as His representative, asking for healing in Jesus Name, so that God will be glorified and others will know and follow Jesus. 

God is alive and active among the new believers.  Churches are forming all over the region beyond Jerusalem—even during persecution for believing!  God is doing exactly what Jesus said He would—and the gates of hell will not stop God’s church from spreading the Good News of redemption in Jesus.  Peter has been called, equipped and sent by Jesus as “the one whom He would build his church upon.”  So, we should not be surprised by the healings that take place in Jesus Name!  (Matthew 16:18)

Peter, who has learned from previous failures and missteps, now applies all that Jesus taught him to be and do life so that others will turn from darkness and put all their love, faith and trust in Jesus who has saved them from sin.  Peter always will be the first to tell all who will listen, “This is not me doing the healing, it is the Master.”  Like Jesus gave glory to God, Peter gives glory to God in Jesus Name.   All is done in Jesus Name so others will know and believe Jesus is Savior and Lord!

Peter, former impetuous fisherman, now boldly and unashamedly preaches Jesus—

“He personally carried our sins
    in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
    and live for what is right.
By his wounds
    you are healed.
    who wandered away.
But now you have turned to your Shepherd,
    the Guardian of your souls.

1 Peter 2:24-25, NLT

Peter is a life who was transformed for God’s glory by Jesus so others will believe. 

Jesus does the same for you and I. Turn to the Shepherd who guides our steps.

How do we respond today?  Pause to be still.  Prayerfully and honestly consider answers to these life changing questions…

Am I a life transformed by Jesus? 

Is all my hope and trust in Jesus? 

Do I believe what He says to be really real for my life? 

Do I seek God first as I walk in Jesus steps, in His way, being before doing anything in His Name? 

Do I seek glory or live to glorify God? 

Do I seek what God wants or what I want Him to bless?

Am I walking in His steps for His glory in Jesus Name?

Lord,

We relate to Peter because we have messed up before your message in us transformed our lives.  I am a life that was changed by you for your glory.  I am still a work in progress—as we will read Peter and others were as well—so we ask you to daily cleanse our hearts, renew our minds, refresh our souls with your new mercies, and restore the joy of you in us and us in you.  We will seek to be before we do anything in your Name for your glory so others will know of your saving grace!

In Jesus Name, Amen.  I believe.