When Jesus told Peter he was a rock and upon that rock he would build the church it would come as a surprise to the other disciples but not any more of a surprise than it would have come to Peter himself.
He was no rock. He was impulsive and irresponsible. He was the one who cut off a man's ear with a sword. He was the one who insisted that Jesus wash him all over when Jesus wanted to wash his feet. He was the one who said he would never deny knowing Jesus and when Jesus was arrested it was Peter who denied knowing Jesus three times.
Peter was an absolute joke when he was told by Jesus he was a rock and upon the rock Jesus would build the church.
The parallel with this is as it is with each of us. We are often given major responsibility and we are sure we cannot handle it. We know our flaws and faults and we are aware of our failures and yet we are called upon to do some things we know we cannot do.
Peter rose to the occasion and was one of the most important forces in the early church. He was not a rock when he was chosen but he became a rock and was foundational as a figure in the church to move it forward.
What are we being asked to do that we know we cannot do? We are the church each of us. The church will rise or fall depending on how we carry out our lives in relation to it.
"I am the Church" is a frightening proposition but each of us is presented with it. We each are the church and it is up to us.
What do you think you are being asked to do if you are the church?
Do you have thoughts about this? If so, write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net.
If you are willing to have the readers of this blog see your response click on the 'comments' box below.
If you would like a rough draft of the sermon on Friday let me know and I will email it to you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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