Shaped Up to Be Shipped Out Luke 22:31-34 & John 21:15-17 When we think about shaping up it is in the context of exercising to improve our health and well-being. When we were told to “shape up or ship out” back in the day it meant that we were to get our act together, follow the rules of the house or leave. We as Christians need to “shape up”. We have to stop praising God in one breath and complaining and speaking doubt with the next. We need to stop speaking faith to others and failure to ourselves. Just like Peter, the enemy desires to sift us like wheat. The devil wants us to be broke, busted and disgusted Christians. He want us to focus on the negative circumstances, situations and conditions instead of the promise, praise and power of God. And like Peter, we have to go through the shaping process. Peter was broken because he allowed the enemy to get to him when he denied knowing Christ. But Christ was praying (shaping) for Peter. Christ had a shaping plan in place even before the Peter’s denial. But Peter had to go through the process. Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved him in Luke 22:31-34. Peter was giving “shipping” instructions (feed my sheep) each time. But Peter, like many of us had a hard time receiving restoration. He had a hard time believing that Jesus would trust him with His sheep (people) after denying Christ. We too have a hard time being used by God after we have messed up. However, Jer 18:4-6 declares that we, God’s vessels can be marred and remade as the Potter sees fit. God can use some messed up clay. We just have to be moldable and shapeable. Peter had to forgive himself, we too have to forgive ourselves and others. And when Jesus gives us and assignment, show your love by accepting it (shape up) and being obedient (ship out). Peter accepted the assignment and on the day of Pentecost.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 03:45:50 +0000
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