2236 Called to Come — Кассета

Peter, he’s one of the ordinary fisherman chosen by Jesus to be one of his twelve disciples. So far, here’s what we know about Peter – he was daring enough, bold enough, and courageous enough to leave behind a very comfortable early retirement and follow Jesus into the unknown. Now, let’s learn more about this man who Jesus declared was enough for some of his greatest works – and maybe you’ll see that you too are enough for Jesus. During Jesus’ ministry on earth, he had many followers, but he had these 12 hand selected disciples that he shared life with. They were the ones with the backstage passes to the miracles. And of those 12, Jesus had 3 that he was closest with. Yesterday we learned it’s not only okay to have an inner circle, it’s necessary. Now today, we see by the example of Jesus, it’s okay for there to be different levels of relationship even within that inner circle. Peter, James and John were Jesus’ closest friends. Sometimes Jesus would set out on a journey, and he would take only those three. There were parts of his personal life only this much smaller circle had access to. Peter was one of them – a true friend of Jesus. Not just a student, not just a disciple, but a friend. One day Jesus took his 3 best friends up on a high mountain to be alone. And there, they saw Jesus for who he really was. His entire being changed. Matthew 17:2, “As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.” Peter saw the undeniable true presence of God in the Son. On another day Jesus is being followed by a large crowd when a desperate father named Jairus comes begging for him to heal his dying 12 year old daughter. On the way to Jairus’ home, messengers arrive with the news that the little girl has already died and it’s too late for healing. Jesus continues on to his house, but he only takes his 3 best friends with him. Just Peter, James and John. When they arrive to the house, everyone is in fits of grief over the young girl’s death. Mark 5: 40-42. “He made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. Holding her hand, he said to her, ‘Talitha koum,’ which means ‘Little girl, get up!’ And the girl, who was 12 years old, immediately stood up and walked around!” Peter was standing in the room witnessing the undeniable power of Jesus. He saw it all with his own eyes. There was no denying it. No denying him. Jesus shows us sometimes you have to be selective about who you allow in the room with you. Some things are meant for a smaller circle. Some moments are so sacred that you must be selective. Not everyone has the faith to enter the spaces you will go next. Why did Jesus tell everyone else to get out of the room? Because they doubted him. His intentions were to wake this little girl up and give her life again – and in doubt, the crowd of people laughed. Jesus left no room for the distraction of doubters and gawkers. He knew Peter, James and John would bring faith into the room. He knew they would believe in his power to do the impossible. My mentor once reprimanded me and told me, “Pamela, some things must be kept around a smaller table. Not everything is for public consumption.” And he was right. The world of social media has us putting things on broadcast and leaving nothing sacred for a trusted few. You don’t invite every stranger off the street to come witness the birth of your baby, so why are you sharing the birth of dreams God has put within you to the masses? Their doubt, their negativity, their criticism, their jealousy is dangerous at these stages. Who are you inviting into the room as miracles unfold? It can’t be everyone. Jesus says to the crowd, “Leave.” And only the three disciples he knew he could trust to bring faith into the room could remain, along with the little girl’s parents. Je