2024_09_09 Insight Post- Kim Feld

- September 9, 2024

This week’s reading- John 1:35-42, Mark 1:29-39, Mark 5:35-41, Mark 8:22-38, Matthew 14:13-36, Mark 14, Mark 16:7, John 21:15-25, Acts 2:14-41, Acts 10

Peter is one of my favorite Biblical characters. He is passionate and committed but also very much a work in progress. Maybe that’s why I resonate so much with him; I think the same could be said of me.

John’s story of Peter and Jesus in John chapter 21 is significant and poignant. At this point, Jesus is talking with Peter after Jesus’ resurrection. But both Jesus and Peter know that before Jesus was crucified, Peter denied even knowing Jesus three times. I can only imagine the shame and remorse Peter felt. Jesus asks Peter three times if Peter loves him. It has been speculated that those three times were in reference to the denials, allowing Peter to proclaim his love three times just as he had denied Jesus three times. Whatever the reasoning, I love that Jesus wanted Peter restored for the work He called him to.

This morning, I heard an older song by Mercy Me, called “Spoken For.” I love the words of the song (I’ve included them below), which remind me that my heart has been spoken for by Jesus. Peter’s heart was the same, even though he didn’t always do the right thing or respond in the best way. His heart was spoken for by Jesus from the beginning, and that knowledge brought him back to be a pillar and leader of the early church.

Peter’s story reminds me that I don’t have to be perfect to be used by God. God takes me just as I am, BUT He refuses to leave me that way. If I allow Him to, He will shape and mold me into someone who looks and acts like Jesus. That is the goal, and that is the destiny for which I was created. The same is true for you. I hope Peter’s story will inspire you to allow God to do His good and perfect work within you so that you can accomplish what you were created for.

“Spoken For”

Take this world from me
I don’t need it anymore
I am finally free
My heart is spoken for

Oh and I praise you
Oh and I worship you

Covered by your love divine
Child of the risen Lord
To hear you say “This one’s mine”
My heart is spoken for

Now I have a peace
I’ve never known before
I find myself complete
My heart is spoken for

Oh and I praise you
Oh and I worship you

Covered by your love divine
Child of the risen Lord
To hear you say “This one’s mine”
My heart is spoken for

By the power of the cross
You’ve taken what was lost
And made it fully yours
And I have been redeemed
By you that spoke to me
Now I am spoken for

Covered by your love divine
Child of the risen Lord
To hear you say “This one’s mine”
My heart is spoken for

Take this world from me
Don’t need it anymore

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach

References: Songwriters: Bart Millard / Jim Bryson / Mike Scheuchzer / Nathan Cochran / Pete Kipley / Peter C. Kipley / Robby Shaffer