Good morning!

We're going to spend the last 3 days of this study wrapping things up and discussing some of Peter's letters to us in the New Testament. Peter had a reason for writing, and he had an end in sight... and I'd like for us to start there and work backwards, shall we? Please read 2 Peter 1:13-15. Peter was living daily with the knowledge that he would lose his life for the sake of Christ. And he did not waver. He was resolved. And Peter certainly had to count the cost. We know that his wife traveled with him on at least some of his journeys (1 Corinthians 9:5). History accounts that Peter's wife was martyred before he was. Now can you stop for a moment and imagine the agony of watching your spouse being put to death? I have found in my own life, it is much easier for me to handle my own suffering, than to watch someone I love suffer. When my dear friend Rachel found out that her two year old son had cancer... I felt a realm of agony that was very different than anything I'd experienced before because I was powerless to do anything to help her suffering. But let's also stop and remember one beautiful thought. Peter's wife had also dined with Jesus. He had been in her home countless times.

She was his friend, too.

And she loved him.

And His promises and His guidance applied to her, too.

She knew that suffering was a possibility when she followed him. But she could not help herself. Because she loved Him. And she was resolved.

Tradition states that as Peter watched his beloved wife be led away to her death he called out this one statement to her. “Remember the Lord.' That strikes me all the way through. At the moment of greatest suffering they knew that it wasn't time for misery, for self-pity, or to claim heroism. It was time to fix their eyes on Jesus … and follow Him straight through.

Because He was their Promised Land.

They would not be freed from this pain... but they would walk through it to a reward FAR GREATER than extended life on earth. The Lord had decided it was time to reward them with eternal life with HIM... far away from any more suffering... rejoicing around his throne!

And Peter would not be far behind. History tells us that he, like his Savior, was crucified on a cross. Peter however did not count himself worthy to die as Jesus did, and he was therefore nailed to the cross upside-down. And his love was made complete. I can't help but wonder if through the indescribable pain, Peter might also have been relieved to finally be able to express his love, worship his Savior, and do as Jesus had already told him He must do. The work would be complete. And he was resolved, whatever the cost. Peter would not follow half-heartedly due to the risk of suffering. To follow half-heartedly is not really following, and it certainly won't get you where you most desire to go.

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” 1 John 3:16

I wonder if as Peter hung on the cross, he remembered walking on the water... and he knew just where he was going.

Because Jesus was his Promised Land. He would not give up at the end. As we've mentioned many times throughout this study... Peter also writes: “His diving power has given us everything we need for life and for godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and purpose.” 2 Peter 1:3

Peter knew that he had everything he needed. He didn't know how to get through what he would have to suffer... he didn't know what would happen after he left...

but he knew Jesus.

He knew that Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen, and that Jesus wasn't caught off guard.

He knew he wasn't capable of understanding circumstances from his human viewpoint... that were orchestrated by a Sovereign God. But he knew that he could trust God.

Peter knew that Jesus would lead him one step at a time, just where he needed to go.

Peter knew that things things that he DID know... were more than enough to lead him straight through what he didn't and on to the other side where he would find joy, peace, and victory complete... with no more regret.

And he was resolved.

For Discussion: Please read 1 Peter 4. In this passage Peter (and remember he is not preaching AT people... he is sharing and encouraging as he himself is anticipating his own death!!!) addressing suffering, and expresses both the importance, and the ability that we have to suffer with innocence. Knowing what we do about Peter and about Jesus, what can we glean and apply from this chapter?