One of my favorite object lessons that I like to teach the children is about the Apostle Peter and a bag of popcorn. What do they even have in common, you ask? The answer-they both "popped under pressure".
For popcorn to pop, it needs to be exposed to extreme heat. When I was growing up, we would make popcorn every Saturday night. My dad would take a bag of popcorn kernels, some cooking oil and a very hot pan and pop the corn on the stove top. I can still remember the sound of the kernels swishing back and forth in the pan and the delicious smell that would fill the house. Today, all we have to do is take a bag and throw it in the microwave.
Shortly before the Crucifixion, Jesus was talking to His disciples. He told them that they would all desert Him that very night (Matthew 26:31). But Peter, who loved His Lord very much, said, "Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended." Matthew 26:33. Jesus looked at him (I wonder if sadly), and told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed twice. Peter insisted that even if he had to die with Jesus, he still would not deny Him. He meant it. But, the "heat" was closer than Peter knew.
Shortly after this, the guards came to arrest Jesus. There was quite alot of activity. Peter even drew his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant (John 18:10), who, by the way, Jesus healed before He was led away. All of the disciples, including Peter, forsook Jesus at this time and fled (Mark 14:50), although Peter did follow from afar off all the way to the palace of the high priest, where he sat by the fire with the servants (Mark 14:54). He was asked three times as to whether or not he was a follower of Jesus. Each time he denied, each time more vehemently than before. He even started cursing and swearing! Alas, when he heard the cock crow the second time, he remembered the words of Jesus with great sorrow and wept. He had "popped" under pressure when the heat became too much.
When things are going great for the Christian, we are often, like Peter, on fire for the Lord, praising Him, promising Him that we will always serve Him, thanking Him for such wonderful blessings on our life. But when trials come our way, how do we react? It's easy to follow Him when things are good. But what about the hard times? The tragedies in our lives? We are all human, this is true. We all will deal with emotions and feelings. But, when something happens, and we're "down in the valley", do we still keep our eyes on Jesus?
There is a song called, "God on the Mountain". One of the verses says, "You talk of faith when you're up on the mountain. Oh but the talk comes easy when life's at its best. But it's down in the valley of trials and temptation that's when faith is really put to the test."
When things in life are going good for a Christian, it's easy for us to serve the Lord. But, as we all know, life isn't always easy. Trials and tragedies will come into our lives. But when they do, remember to keep looking up and looking to Jesus, your Lord and Saviour. Don't "pop under pressure" as Peter did. If you do, that's alright. Jesus knows us. He knows that we are sometimes weak. That is why we need Him-ALWAYS. He will never leave you or forsake you.
If you have wandered away from the Lord because of circumstances that have happened in your life, don't you think it's time to come back? He is waiting for you with open arms. Pray, ask His forgiveness, then give your situation over to Him. Trust Him! Start reading His precious Word again. Ask Him for guidance. Then, if you have stopped attending church, go back. Begin fellowshipping with other believers again.
Now, whenever you have some popcorn, maybe you will think of Peter. :-)!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment