“One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ).  And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).”

Jesus begins his relationship with Peter with a very unique calling. It is unique because, before this point in time Jesus and Peter had not met.  However, Jesus, knowing Peter’s heart, lays the framework for which their relationship will be based. In essence, Jesus has begun the process of placing Peter on a “firm foundation.” This foundation is based on Jesus establishing in Peter a new identity. He called him to be “Cephas” or “Rock” (Cephas is Aramaic). This new title signifies a new life that will eventually lead to Peter being the first stone laid in the building of the church.

We often begin the counseling process by discussing how God wants to re-establish His identity in our clients. God has also called you and me to a new identity.  This identity, based in Christ, is described by Paul in Second Corinthians 5:17…

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Mathew Henry explains the identity change through becoming a “new creation” this way, “The renewed man acts upon new principles, by new rules, with new ends, and in new company. The believer is created a new; his heart is not merely set right, but a new heart is given him. He is the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Though the same as a man, he is changed in his character and conduct.”

In counseling, we stress that in Christ we are a new creation. All of the old things (issues) have passed away. We are not to be kept in bondage to past sin.  Yet many struggle to let go of the sin that is defining them.  As Christ begins to redefine us into His new creation we grow into our new identity.  This is what Mathew Henry refers to as a change in “character and conduct.”  Once there is an understanding of our new identity, we must strive toward a new way of living. Peter would experience this as he spent the next three years developing both new character and conduct.

Peter’s second calling occurs when Jesus appears a third time to the apostles since having been raised from the dead.  Jesus finds some of the apostles fishing in the Sea of Galilee. Although they had been out all night, they had been unsuccessful at catching any fish.  Jesus calls them to breakfast after instructing them to throw their net off the right hand side of the boat.  The apostles end up catching 159 large fish.  John tells us in John 21:15-17 of Peter’s final call:

 “So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”

This second call is important in that it paves the way for a life of obedience. This passage is well known as the threefold restoration of Peter, but Jesus then goes on to encourage Peter to obey Him through the feeding of the sheep.  Jesus makes the point that three times Peter denied him (John 18: 17-18, 25-27) and these three questions clearly demonstrate Jesus’ forgiveness and his restoring Peter as the Rock. However, upon restoring, supporting and strengthening him, Jesus commands obedience. Paul in the book of Romans highlights this need for obedience:

“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16)

In counseling, much focus is placed on understanding God’s Word so that we can be in obedience to His will. For in obedience we find freedom and through obedience we prove our faith. Ongoing growth is based on the concept of obedience and this is often where the most work lies for those who want to make changes to experience God’s blessings.

How about you? Are you working toward a deeper understanding of your identity and obedience? I have learned to appreciate Peter’s example in not only the words that he speaks, but the life changing behavior  he demonstrates. Peter’s letters (I and II Peter) were written toward the end of his life where we can see his trials and witness God’s faithfulness in his life.

 I pray that you take time to meditate on your relationship with the Lord and how He calls you into a new identity.  And that through obedience to Him, growth in character and right conduct, you will find yourself on His firm foundation.     
 

Blessings.......
Dr. Rob