Peter. . .

The Lord has been teaching me a lot about what a true raw and intimate relationship looks like with Him. Specifically He has been teaching me about our friendship we have with Him. I recently listened to this sermon on the topic of a "friendship with the Bridegroom". This phrase is so often used, but I've never really considered it a key factor into my own life. In Song of Solomon chapter 2 verse 3, The Shulamite (the Bride, or, in this case followers of Jesus) says, "I sat down in his shade with great delight...he brought me to the banqueting house and his banner over me was love." This verse fits so perfectly in a friendship, we need to get on a level of intimacy with the Lord to come and sit "in his shade with great delight" and rest with him. Come to Him with you troubles, with your excitement, with EVERYTHING you are and set your heart to live in this reality all the days of your life.
In this sermon, the girl brings up Peter's relationship with Jesus and how perfect their relationship can be related to a relationship you and I can and should have with Jesus. Peter is considered to have been one of Jesus closest friends. Right before Jesus was betrayed and crucified, He warned Peter that he would deny even knowing Jesus three times. Peter was dumbfounded that he even heard such a thing. I can only imagine what was going through Peter's mind at the time. He had to have been thinking, "Jesus I love you and you are my best friend. You are the Son of the Living God, I would NEVER betray you." He told Jesus that even if death came in his way, he would never lie about knowing and following Jesus. But, sure enough when Jesus was taken away, a lady came to him and began questioning if he was a follower of Jesus. After the third time of denying the accusation, Jesus looked at him. Peter was struck hard, in the moment, he was ashamed, nervous, scared, etc. He had to have realized how much it hurt Jesus. He ran a weeped. After this, though, Peter's ministry was like never before. He finally realized how close he was with Jesus. He was hurt that his best friend was taken away. Seeing the sins of the world, he began preaching that things needed to change. Although it may have been messages of conviction, I can't help but to think that his ministry was also one of lovesickness. He wanted to be with Jesus again. He wanted to see this man whom he gave up everything to follow. In the beginning of the girls message, she mentioned one of her professors beginning class talking about oil; the oil from the parable of the ten virgins Matthew 25. He said this, which will stick with me hopefully forever, "This oil is the ability to dial down in a moment of pressure and to actually access the Holy Spirit within and to actually connect with His heart in some of the moments of our greatest pressing." Shoot. Loving Jesus, being His friend and building a better relationship has been by far the best decision I have made. Growing closer with Him and digger deeper into His word has only made me longing for more; burning with a desire for His return. My hope and my prayer is that this blog will help me to lay out my thoughts and help those who read it as well through my study.
Jesus I love that you are faithful. I love that you love me and want to know me. help me to love you with my WHOLE heart. On the day I meet you face to face, I pray that you say that I loved you well. Let it be said that I chose you over EVERYTHING in this world. I want to be found as a faithful witness. Use me and the people that read this to hasten your return. Unite your Bride, give us boldness to proclaim who you are really. In Your name Jesus, Amen.