Who are you becoming? Do you know?
Often, I think I know who I am becoming only to be surprised by who I really am. Caught up in daily life, sometimes we lose sight of who we are and who we want to be. But Jesus has a gentle way of reminding us who we really are.
In John Chapter 13, we see this painful, little interaction between Jesus and Peter. Jesus reminds Peter that he is not there yet. He is not who he thinks is. Much like myself, Peter thinks he is ready to do whatever needs to be done. But Jesus knows he not. Not yet anyway. Let’s look at it together.
Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really…?”
Like most of my generation, I want it and I want it now. It is hard to wait and often I rush ahead of God. But Jesus sees what Peter and I cannot. He knows we aren’t ready and asks the hard questions, allowing us to answer them ourselves. This is how we learn.
Growing in Christ takes time.
Three years ago this very week, I wrote a blog entitled, “Begin to be and what that means.” I was beginning to be something; an author. But at that point, I was nothing more than an aspiring author. Although I had finished writing my first book, I was bogged down in the publishing process. Thinking I would never actually finish, it was hard to admit that I was not who I wanted to be. I still had a lot to learn in order to become an author.
As we devote our lives to following Christ, Jesus teaches us by showing us the way. There are no shortcuts and you cannot jump ahead. Although painfully slow at times, you have to do the work and learn the lessons.
The other day, I was reading one of my favorite verses, where Jesus talks about his yoke being easy. I noticed something I had never seen before. Right in the middle of the verse, this word jumped out at me; ‘learn.”
Matthew 11:28-29 NIV reads, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
“Learn from me.”
What does it mean to learn from Jesus? For Peter, it meant listening and waiting until the time was right. For us, it means the same thing. And what do we do in the waiting? We learn.
Interestingly enough, after we hear Peter ask “why not now,” just a few verses later, we see him deny Jesus three times. Jesus knows. It is painful to realize when we are wrong. Especially when we think we are right. Although he couldn’t see it, all of this was preparing Peter to become who God created him to be.
Fortunately, Peter is redeemed a few chapters later in Matthew 16,. This becomes hope for us all, as Peter not only knows who Jesus is, but now Jesus announces to the world who Peter has become.
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church…”
Continuing to learn is key to becoming who God created us to be.
Trusting God is the challenge for us. As we begin to learn from Jesus, the most amazing thing happens. We know who Jesus is! But rest assured, even when we don’t know, Jesus knows us. This is our hope. As we wait for God to continue to teach us, we are becoming who God created us to be. Sometimes, we don’t even realize it. Then like a flash, as you profess Jesus is Lord, you will hear that still small voice whisper, “You are my child.” Thanks be to God! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
P.S. – I love writing and sharing encouraging words with you each and every week. I also love hearing from you, so be sure to leave me a comment below. Forward this message to a friend and ask them to subscribe to my website. If you feel inclined, share on Facebook and tag me in it. Until next time, peace and grace be with you always! -M
2 thoughts on “Who are you becoming?”
Quite a message. Amen
Amen! We are who God says we are, always learning in humility!