If I am being raw and authentic, living in that one city in India for two months drove me a little crazy. I connect with the trinity through nature, mountains, and aesthetic views. If you read Matthew you can find many different places where Jesus goes to a mountain/mountain side to talk to His Father. I believe that is why I thrived extensively in Lesotho. Through these couple of months I do not feel that I have grown deeper in intimacy with The Father, but I have definitely grown in other aspects. I have learned so much about myself and my passions which I think is really beautiful. Honestly, India has been hard. The unintentional expectations set up were high and unfortunately let me down. I picked this route because I have felt called to India for a couple of years now by ways of dreams. You can imagine my despondence when nothing “huge” happened. However, although I do not see a huge reaping, I can be confident in the fact that God is at work in everything that takes place. I was waiting for my purpose in India to happen, something major, and it never did. There were major events in Swaziland and Lesotho that took place which left me in awe of Jesus. India has been a long process, a dusty season if you will. I have seen the worst poverty ever in my life. There are “cultural norms” here that are just plain not appropriate by any standards. The twisting deceit of the enemy is powerful, but I know that my God is more powerful and He is breaking down barriers. Right now it may just be the blowing of trumpets, but I can pray that walls will crumble down (referring to the wall of Jericho).
In September I started reading the Bible from Genesis with the goal to finish before I am done with the world race. I realized as I read each verse, my eyes were soaking up every word and my mind dissecting various concepts. Right now I feel like God is leading me to Bible college after the race, but that is still to be determined… just like literally everything else in the future. “In their hearts humans plan their course but The Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9). After Song of Solomon, the rest of the books in the Old Testament are mostly prophecies, and not very pleasant prophecies at that. The writers speak mostly of destruction and contempt. I literally read 32 chapters one day because I truly just wanted to start the New Testament A.S.A.P.! Finally, a couple of days ago I finished that last verse of Malachi and I was headed into Matthew. I absolutely love the old testament because I do not think anyone can understand the new testament without reference to the background and context. However, I can say without shame that I was ready to step into the life of Jesus and examine overlooked verses. As I read that first chapter of Matthew, I realized I was not just stepping into the new testament, but the new year as well, a fresh outpouring. Wow! How awesome. For the past two years, I have taken the month of January to reflect on Jesus by fasting and praying. I can assure you that it definitely makes an impact by rooting you deeply into His presence. I would love to invite all of you to join me in fasting this first month to kick off the year. Fasting can be anything, anything that distracts you from The Lord, anything that you put before Him. In The Bible when God’s people fasted, they would fast food because that was the biggest object they would put before The Lord (keep in mind they did not have cellular devices or netflix). They had to work hard to get food and survive, but they learned through fasting that God is the everlasting bread. THE BREAD OF LIFE. Presently, I am seeking The Lord and trying to seek His heart more and more. I am practising self control and have a longing to grow in areas I have stumbled in in my past.
Already I am receiving so much life and wisdom in Matthew. I love Simon/Peter and Jesus’ relationship. It’s an exact replica of our relationship with Him. Peter has a big mouth, and, if you will, is a bit of an air head. Peter has a longing for learning and being discipled as best he can. It is sometimes hard for him to understand, but he takes risks. He is always pushing himself hard for the kingdom. I want to share with you a few encounters between Jesus and Peter which honestly make me laugh.
The first encounter they ever had was when Jesus saw two brothers unsuccessfully fishing in the Sea of Galilee. They had been fishing all night and had no luck. In the day time, when the fish are not at the surface mind you, up walks a carpenter, a much less experienced fisherman. He tells them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat of which they had probably tried numerous times. Reluctantly they granted His wish and as they pulled up the net, their boat was sinking because of the weight. This probably left them confused and honestly a bit humiliated. Jesus told them He wanted to disciple them and by the guidance of The Spirit, they left EVERYTHING they had to follow this teacher who had just “showed them up” on how to fish. Poor Peter, there are many more humiliating moments to come. (Matthew 4).
Second encounter: Jesus sends the disciples to cross the lake while he dismissed the five thousand people they had just fed with 5 loaves of bread and two fish. To catch up with His disciples, He simply just started walking on the water nonchalantly. When they saw Him they foolishly thought He was a ghost, I mean what a sight to see. Peter, being fierce as he is, took a risk and got out on that water. This is where he went wrong, as many of us do. When he saw the wave coming, he became fearful and sank. Thankfully, Jesus reached down and saved him which is so beautiful. The teacher told Peter that he had little faith and questioned his doubt. (Matthew 14).
Third encounter: Jesus spoke in many parables. His disciples heard many and you would assume they would understand by now. In Matthew 15:13 He teaches on another one of His analgesic parable with which Peter asks Him to explain. This next part always leaves me giggling. Jesus bluntly tells Peter that he is dull in front of his peers. However, he does continue to graciously explain His story.
Fourth encounter: This is the first time that Jesus directly proclaims He is the Messiah. He starts by asking his disciples who people say the Son of Man is. Peter, being outspoken, claims that Jesus is the Messiah. Good job Peter, you got something right. Jesus goes on and on about how Peter is blessed. “For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in Heaven… on this rock I will build my church… I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16: 17-19).
Fifth encounter: For the first time, Jesus predicts his death to His faithful disciples. Passionate Peter took Him aside saying that these things will NOT happen, he rebuked his prediction. Jesus replies with a stern, “Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Matthew 16:23). Ouch! Literally this paragraph is written right after Jesus proclaims blessings and the keys of the kingdom to Peter.
Sixth encounter: Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain where Jesus was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white. Just then Moses and Elijah appeared and started talking to Jesus. Peter, this time a little annoying, asked if he should set up three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘this is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 17:5). Then they fell face down very dramatically. Peter just talks and talks and talks and it took the literal voice of God to stop him. He was worried about building a shelter while this awesome Holy Spirit moment that was happening. This teaches me to just stop and take in what is going on around me.
That’s all I have read in Matthew thus far. We can learn so many teachings just from Peter and Jesus. Peter, Jesus’ first disciple, was as I imagine pretty comfortable with Jesus. Peter showed much reverence to Him because he was his teacher but sometimes had troubles controlling his tongue and emotions. Jesus loves him so much though, and I think that is so beautiful. Take a moment to ponder on these encounters and how we can grow from it.
With Peace, blessin’s, n’ love,
Christy Belle
