Barnabas Ministries UK

                                    Rev. E. Anderson               

CHOICE EXPERIENCES

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Introduction

EXPERIENCES:  Christ desires and designs, as reflected in the life of Peter, is that we should know Him in so many ways. It was essential that He discover the wonder, worth and wealth of Christ as the Son of God and Son of Man and be lifted up into the knowledge of His purposes and procedures. This was not all to occur in a short span and space of time but would take quite a period and a lot of input. He was going to be an individual that would have many encounters and experiences that would prepare him for the role that Christ had in mind. In reviewing and meditating on what is recorded of him we are left with the distinct impression that so much occurred and made him a remarkable person of note in Christendom.

CHOICE: What happened in relation to Him is seen to be choice and precious and unforgettable as far as he was concerned. Nothing happened by chance or accident but was all part of the divine plan for his life and work. He may have been the type of individual that was impetuous, eager and impassioned but it was to be turned into that which would benefit the Church of Jesus Christ and bring glory to Him. He may have been somewhat headlong and precipitous at times, but many choice and memorable experiences were registered in his life as a consequence. There were some exclusive and excellent incidences that adorned his life that have blessed and benefited the whole of Christendom.  He had some prime moments in his pilgrimage that serve that were to be used to teach the whole body of Christ. So many feel indebted to this man who witnessed and experienced so much and sense that they too may know something similar in divine workings of the Lord in their affairs.

When you ponder what is stated concerning him there is rich legacy and treasury of information that gives room for a tremendous amount of study, reflection and inspiration. As Christ and the Holy Spirit met him and brought transformation and radical renewal in order to raise a worthy leader, so today, the same applies to all who would be met and used by God.

1/. THE INITIAL CALL OF GOD MUST HAVE BEEN A MEMORABLE  EVENT – John 1: 35-42; Mark 1: 16-18                                                     

There are two events recorded concerning Peter re-his call and the impact that Christ made upon him as Christ encountered him in a personal and powerful manner.

•    His brother is used in the initial introduction to Christ – John 1: 35-42. They reflect different factors but both were vital to this man who was to make his mark in the cause of Christianity
•     His brother is used in the initial introduction to Christ – John 1: 35-42. This was quite a moment of spiritual arousal for this rugged fisherman. Andrew was immediately impressed and impacted by John the Baptist and Christ and as a result goes to share his discovery with his brother. There was a great amount of talk abroad at that time about the coming Messiah in Israel and he was interested. He was awakened to the point that he would make further inquiry and investigation and when he did so discovered that this unique person knew a lot about him. The Lord knew his name and his forbear and could predict what he would become – “Thou art Simon the son of Jona: you will be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, a stone” – v42. The Lord would impress this upon him right from the start.
•    Christ moves on into his scene to issue the divine summons – Mark 1: 16-18.The Lord was to effect a greater move within him that would make him into a follower/disciple and ultimately an apostle for Him. Whilst busily employed in seeking their natural livelihood the Lord lays hold of them in a dynamic and arresting fashion and again prophesies into his life of faith. – “ Come after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men” – v17. He would become the big fisherman that no one would ever forget and his work would be of lasting note and worth. It was now time for a major shift to take place that would require a tremendous step.

2/. THE WONDERFUL, INSTANTANEOUS HEALING OF HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW OF A FEVER THAT POSSESSED HER – Mark 1: 29-31

There is the revelation that Peter and his household was of hospitable character. He was ready to take Christ and His disciples home with him to cater for their physical needs despite the problem that existed in the home. Excuse could have been made that it was not convenient at that time to perform such a gracious act but this was not even considered.

• The temperature of this woman was sky high with a fever – v 30. There was no question about it: this woman was really poorly and in a very low physical condition. The Living Bible puts it: she “was sick in bed with a high fever.” She looked to be in a really hopeless mess in need of real care and attention. It would be last place you would take somebody out for a meal with such a crisis situation prevailing! 
• There was the readiness to inform Christ straight-away about the problem – v30. The immediate thing they felt they must to do was to inform Christ without any sense of embarrassment. It was the best and wisest course of action to be adopted. They felt impelled to share the difficulty with Christ and leave it with Him.
• Christ responded immediately with a remarkable healing touch v31. He needed no further imploration or direction but took the matter up immediately and went to her bedside with purposeful intent to banish the high fever. He performed a simple operation by taking her by the hand and raising her up and the evil thing left her. It was a memorable moment that must have lived with Peter. 
• She quickly showed she was healed by preparing a meal – v31. The woman immediately shows her gratitude by preparing a meal for all. She proved and showed she was healed by doing her best for the Lord and the others gathered on this occasion. Living Bible “she got up and prepared dinner for them.”  It was one of those meals that no one was likely to forget because of the miracle that occurred

3/. THE INSPIRED REVELATION THAT WAS COMMUNICATED REGARDING CHRIST’S IDENTITY – Matthew 16

He was uniquely privileged to have a divine comprehension of Christ when others around were simply giving their own opinions and judgements concerning Him. Quite a lot of talk was occurring in all quarters with regard to this extraordinary man who was doing some amazing things and speaking such inspiring words. At that time, the atmosphere was electric in the advent of this individual that was creating such a stir and commotion on every hand. It was needful that definite convictions should be formed and expressed and Peter was to be the person that would be used to voice the absolute truth.

• The disciples were chosen in order to become people who would possess a clear testimony concerning Him because they were to be foundation factors in the commencement of Christendom – v15. One of the reasons why Christ had selected these individuals was that they might have some special and significant experiences with regard to Himself that would create and develop a true knowledge and assurance within them. They, above all, had to become fully persuaded so that later they could and would be sure and true witnesses on a much wider front. Something bigger was envisaged for them as they were to be His associates and heralds that would trumpet the truth regarding Him.
• In response to a relevant question by Christ,  Peter  is quick in his reply with a dynamic, brief and truthful witness – v16. Possibly the greatest utterance that ever proceeded from his lips was this admission and confession. What better or bigger thing could he ever speak in relation to the best person he had ever encountered and known! As a consequence of being with and seeing and hearing this unique man he could not make any other testimony.
• Peter was to be made aware of the fact that what he had uttered was not something he had quickly formulated in his own mind but was a distinct communication from the Father – v17. For a brief but blessed moment his whole inward being is quickened and his mind is opened up by God to perfectly comprehend the identity of the One standing before him. He was not reliant upon any surmising or supposition of his own mind in this crucial consideration but was divinely wrought upon so that he clearly and absolutely knew and could speak with certainty. Not only had the revelation come from a true source, he was left with indisputable proof in his own mind and heart by all he had witnessed all the time he had been with Christ. He must have felt immensely good as he made this memorable statement.
• The importance of that declaration is taken up by the Lord and revealed to be the basis of His kingdom and its success and that Peter would play a leading role in the matter – vv17-18. Christ elaborates and extends what this is to mean for the future in relation to His kingdom and of the authoritative role that Peter and others will possess in their mission and ministry for Him. They will not be the underdogs but top-dogs with all the divine right to execute on behalf of Christ. They would be able to look back on this instance in their experience, especially Peter, when Christ conferred on them power and prerogative to loose and bind on His behalf. This was to be no small or meagre enterprise but a mighty, all-powerful manifestation of the spiritual and supernatural dictating the scene. No evil would be able to withstand the march of progress of Christ and His Church.

4/.    THE STAGGERING GATHERING OF FISH IN RESPONSE TO THE LOANING OF THE BOAT TO CHRIST – Luke 5

This must have been a notable and choice event that would never be forgotten but always create a sense of wonder, gender faith in them and be a source of testimony. Would they always be thinking of this remarkable experience in the course of their ministry as they reflected on what had seen Christ perform?

• It occurred at a time when there had been huge disappointment when the disciples had laboured all night and caught nothing in their fishing expedition – v5. They were very hard working men and must have felt frustrated at the failure of the previous night. Not to have caught one fish must have been rather astonishing as they knew how and where to fish. That night would stick in their memories for all the toil and with nothing to show for it. This kind of expedition was bad for business!
• There was the readiness to loan the boat to Christ so that He could conduct some teaching ministry to the people – vv2, 3. As Christ came on to the scene they were washing their nets ready for the next night’s enterprise. They were getting rid of the rubbish that had been gathered in the hope that next time they would have a better showing for their labour. Little did they realise that they were being set up for! Christ comes and seeks permission for the use of the boat and they were happy to do so. At least the boat could be of some service to Him and the people! In an inspired manner He taught the fisher folk and they must have been strangely and spiritually blessed. The fishing took second place as He gave them some illuminated address that was appropriate to their need. He was doing them all a great power for good as He ably expounded God and the things of God.
• The call came for an immediate expression of faith and there was a willingness to respond – vv4, 5. The Lord desired to pay for His use of the boat and did it in grand style. He was to leave them with the knowledge that He was quite up to ministering to the body as well as the soul. He could provide naturally as well as spiritually. Having been inspired by His person and teaching there was a real will to carry out the command in the expectation of Christ. His promise was for a ‘draught’ and that meant an extraordinary amount.
• The incredible thing took place in contrast to the fruitless labour of the night before – vv6, 7. What these fishermen and their folk required was fish and He would oblige in extravagant and abundant fashion. The night before every fish kept away from the nets that were out, but suddenly in the day, all wanted to get into them. The boats became loaded and they had never had known such a haul. It was all because of the command of Christ. Would the sight of those fish in those boats ever be lost from memory?
• It led Peter again to an amazing confession that expressed his own state but exalted the quality of Christ the Lord and subsequently led to the abandonment of their business – vv8-11. This whole event magnified Christ in Peter’s eyes, disclosing His worth and his own wretchedness. It looked as if they were poles apart but Christ was to use this encounter and event to cause him to surrender completely to Him in life and service. The promise and prophecy of Christ was for something greater within his future. This sight of the multitude of fish would be nothing in comparison to what he would witness later down the line with regard to men. Pentecost was on the horizon where people would be gathered and caught for Christ and His kingdom – Acts 2.

5/. THE UNIQUE DISCLOSURE OF CHRIST IN DIVINE GLORY ON THE MOUNT OF TRANSFIGURATION – Matthew 17: 1-13

Christ had so much more to make known to him that would be radical and so inspiring and unforgettable. This incident and experience would underline more than anything the veracity of the affirmation he had previously made concerning the One he was following. He was to be given such a disclosure with another two of his friends that would seal forever the truth about His person and deity.

• There was an apparent selectiveness on this occasion on the part of Christ on who He took with Him for this unveiling –v1. These three were evidently singled out to participate in a choice, divine experience that would outlast everything. They were men and messengers of Christ from whom a great deal would be required of them in the future and it was needful that they be bolstered with revelation of a heavenly nature. They were the kind of men that Christ could trust and would fulfil His expectations. Established in their beings was the utter and perfect certitude as to Christ and His mission.
• An extraordinary transformation to took place with regard to Him that distinguished Him in an incredible fashion – v2. It was already known that Christ was rather a special and distinctive individual. So much had taken place that assured them of that, but this was extra-special. This was something that went beyond the norm. When they saw the miraculous transfiguration it became evident that this was not something external, it was the glory of the inward expressing its real quality and potential. No other person has ever been so graced and glorified! The Christ was portrayed in all of His effulgence and splendour and they became privy to that personal disclosure. Locked up his memory box was the knowledge of this sight of Christ.
•    It was added to by the presence of two famous and fabulous figures of Old Testament magnitude – vv3, 4. They were to be made aware of the fact that these two, major prophets really had existed and now they were present in complete support of Christ. Never did they consider in their personal experience, that they would be given this outstanding privilege of beholding these men who had played an important role in the history of Israel.
•    There was the added witness with a voice from heaven identifying the grandeur of Christ – v5. The message that came underlined the position of the One they were following and gave true testimony as to His worth in the eyes of Father-God. This only served to add to the occasion and gave reliable confirmation to Him who was to achieve so much for God and Man. They were left with a clear message: “hear ye Him.”
• That scene definitely registered in the mind and experience of Peter – 2 Peter 1: 16-18. The later writings of this great disciple and apostle of Christ leaves no doubt whatsoever of the reality of the event and the impact made upon him. This would super-impose itself within his being and would forever indelibly inscribe Christ’s supreme majesty.

6/.  THE REMARKABLE INCIDENT IN THE CATCHING OF THE FISH WITH THE PIECE OF MONEY TO PAY THE TAXES – Matthew 17: 25-27

This is rather an amazing event that again showed the outstanding capacities of Jesus Christ and must have added to the wonder that Peter had already tasted concerning Him. It was just a natural incident that had to do with financial matters, the paying of tribute money. It was not something that was overlooked by Him but in it He demonstrated tremendous wisdom and discernment.

• It was the Lord who spoke to Peter over the issue making him aware of the fact that He knew that he had been approached about the paying of tribute money – v25. The Lord saved Peter from any embarrassment over the matter by bringing up the issue thus proving He was totally conversant with all that was taking place. He was intent on dealing with a factor of this nature.
• He expressed the fact that there was no need for them to perform this seeming financial duty in a reasonable argument – v26. Everything was evidently thought through by Him thus indicating how in touch He was with a thing of this order. Because of His natural and national status, along with His disciples they were exempt. He could have rightly refused to pay anything. The disciple would note and learn in this exercise how the Lord was up to these particular intrusions into daily affairs.
• The Lord then directed Peter into a unique task in order to pay the demands –  v27. But Christ manifested a different spirit and attitude and revealed a unique way to foot this bill and requirement. One could assumed there was nothing in the kitty but there was a divine option open to Him that was rather remarkable. What a thing for a fisherman to discover this source of payment!

(7). THE AWFUL EXPERIENCE WHEN HE DENIED THE CHRIST IN THE TIME OF GREAT CRISIS – Luke 22: 31-34, 54-62

Many would not regard this as a choice experience but this was an incident and experience that must have taught this disciple a great deal that he had not been particularly aware of and needed to know if he was to move forward with Christ for his great calling and ministry. Out of this crucial exercise was something major that would not only benefit and bless him but touch countless other people.

• It commences with Christ having special insight with regard to him and of the fact of His personal intercession on his behalf – vv31-32. Neither Christ’s own death and Peter’s denial took Christ by surprise. Just as it was needful for Him to go to the cross, so it was essential for this man to pass through this tough exercise. Behind the whole ordeal both for Himself and His servant was the activity of the evil one. The Cross had been chosen for Him and this cross experience was selected for His follower. It was to be an unforgettable experience of a salutary order.
• It then proceeds to Peter making a bold affirmation of his commitment to Christ whatever the cost – v33. Instead of listening and taking heed to the solemn and true words spoken by His Master, he blurts out of his total abandonment to Christ even though it meant death. One would have thought that after such a serious time at the Passover feast that he would have been on his guard but this was not so. Whatever the future held, even if it meant suffering and martyrdom, he was prepared to stand by and with Christ. There is little doubt that he meant it but he was not conscious of the weakness in his own being. Elsewhere his statement is even more bolder – “Though all men be offended because of thee,  yet I will never be offended” – Matthew 26: 33.
• The Lord reveals that there will come the moment of abject failure when there will be a threefold denial  of Him – v34. Whilst Christ must have been moved by his admission  He was not deluded but unveils the fact that there will come a period when Christ will be seemingly negated by him on three occasions and in such a short period of time and at a crucial hour in Christ’s own experience. This statement would be really put to the test and Peter would be found wanting.
• There came the actual fulfilment of Christ’s prophecy and the terrible sense of sorrow felt by the disciple –vv54-62. Events would prove that Christ was absolutely right and that Peter would pass through the deepest trough of his life. It was to prove to be a tough and rough time over the next few days as the great wrestling took place in his life. It was no short ordeal and much hung in the balance with respect to his future. He would have to learn and know that he was under a divine calling and not a mere human career. Out of this episode came the removal of the old nature and self.

Illustration Charles Colson had one of the most high profile careers in America. He had    access to power and influence, yet he landed in prison. He thought his career was over-and in a way he was right. But his calling was just beginning. He was called to preach to prisoners just like him. He reflects: ‘The real legacy of my life was my biggest failure-that I was an ex-convict. My great humiliation-being sent to prison-was the beginning of God’s greatest use of my life; He chose the one experience in which I could not glory, for His glory.’

8/. THE AMAZING MANIFESTATION OF THE RESURRECTED CHRIST WITH A RENEWED COMMISSION FOR HIM FOLLOWING HIS AWFUL FAILURE – John 21

In spite of the horrid abysmal let-down and failure, the Lord had not forgotten or written him off and out. In no way was He going to allow this individual to finish up in depression and a total wash out. The Lord had ways and means by which He could and would re-instate this disciple and put a real cutting edge on his life again. He would not end up on the scrap heap a hopeless mess. 

• Christ showed that He had a genuine vested interest in Peter right from the moment of His resurrection – Mark 16: 7. He was not going to allow Peter off the hook or permit Satan to gain any advantage whatsoever. It was a message that Peter had to hear immediately and sense that things were not finished as far as Christ was concerned. Although he may have given up on himself this was not the case with Christ.
• He goes to further seek him out as Peter returns to the career of fishing taking others with him  – John 21: 1-3. Even though Christ was risen and had put some appearances, things had not been really sorted out. In a gradual and caring manner and procedure He makes His approaches and demonstrates a divine attitude. He knew where they were in more ways than one and was sufficiently equipped to meet the present situation. He would be there to handle the issue in a very wise and productive way.
• It was another night of hard toil without any catch that must have reminded them of a previous occasion; and then another great draught that could only remind them of Christ – vv3-7. The fishing expedition was not turning out to be a success and the hours at it was rather frustrating. It looked as if this was going to finish up a miserable night’s toil! They had much to muse on during that time and must have been rather grateful for the morning light and what was to happen. The Lord appears with His sure word of command which they responded to and what a haul!
• There was the kind provision of Christ and then the challenging word to Peter that he would never forget – vv9-19. These men would be ready for a meal and Christ had fully catered for them in generous fashion. That meal would not be forgotten! Then came the gracious but challenging words of Christ to Peter that gave him the opportunity of renewing his commitment from quite a different attitude. Christ knew that he loved him but was drawing it out in the best possible way that would result in Peter’s radical conversion and regeneration.

CONCLUSION

• Many choice experiences are purposed by Christ for each one of His people and servants and they must be ready for them.
• He seeks to create and developed a relationship from which He can educate through varying events and episodes in life.
• There are many things to be added to so that life and ministry becomes more  enriched ever  and made a blessing to countless others.

See it further reflected in Peter as he blossoms out in wider service and influence:

(1)     the amazing ministry performed on an historic day resulting in such a work of grace – Acts 2

(2)     the wonderful miracle that occurred that turned into a tremendous witness – Acts 3

(3)     the powerful influence exerted in bring healing through the passing of his shadow – Acts 5: 12-16

(4)     the outstanding work wrought in the raising of a choice believer from the dead – Acts 9: 36-43

(5) the opening up of the Christian gospel on a much wider front by the means of divine revelation – Acts 10

(6) the supreme intervention of God to rescue him from the threat of death – Acts 12