Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which when translated, is Peter). (John 1:42)
What a word of encouragement we have before us today! Jesus is so utterly unlike us. Here we see him giving Simon, the son of John, His Almighty affirmation – affirming not what Simon was that day, but what He would one day become: Peter (the Rock).
The name Simon meant “reed,” something that would be easily tossed about by whatever wind was blowing at the time. By changing Simon’s name to Peter, Jesus was affirming him ahead of time. Jesus was telling Simon that He was going to make him, by grace through faith, a Rock, which is a symbol of stability.
I want you to see something very important. Jesus did not withhold this name from Simon until he had proved himself. Jesus was not waiting for Simon to do more and try harder. No, Jesus simply declared that Simon would be Peter, and in time he would grow into his new name. Jesus not only sees people as they are; He sees what we will become by trusting in Him and looking to Him for the strength we need to live out a life of faith and commitment.
How is it with you? How do you see others? Do you see their potential and their possibilities? Do you affirm them as the Almighty affirmed Peter . . . and as He affirms you?
Remember, your name was changed to Christian (which means Christ-follower) when you trusted in Christ alone for your salvation and Jesus raised you from death to life. Now, none of us will follow Christ perfectly on this side of the grave. In receiving the name Christian, we have received the promise that on the day when we cross the Jordan, we will actually be perfect followers of Christ.
Let that Almighty affirmation comfort you today and challenge you to live this day sold out for Him.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 