I think the thing that struck me most was the realization that ἐγώ εἰμι is a direct quote of the words used to identify God in multiple passages in Isaiah, combined with the grammar of how it's used here pointing unmistakably to divine self Revelation.
You have a way of writing that puts me right in the boat with the disciples - and I can “see” the story (and your teaching) happen all around. Excellent!
Thank you for blowing up that can of aqua net. Peter's sinking is not the end of the story. I knew that when Peter walked on the water he was walking on the word and the Word was "come" but that's where my Revelation ended.
I loved the timing of this post, and as stated yesterday, word study is where the Spirit speaks to my heart. Today we zoomed in on the word translated "buffeted" which is 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒛𝒐 in the Greek. Because I've been feeling a bit like a boat on stormy seas. Especially during autistic/hormonal meltdowns. Abarim Publications can sometimes get a whole lot deeper than I can wrap my brain around, but their article on this word (basanos) was a balm to my soul. They point out that the use of this word, this "torture/test" says more about the one doing the testing than it does the one being tested. "It's prudent to note this word's element of trial, which indicates both intent and suspicion on behalf of the one who's doing the testing, or the accuser in whose name he tests." That thought in turn led me to Luke 22 where Jesus tells Simon (Peter) that "Satan has asked to sift you (plural) as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
I have a lot of verses marked for the sufficiency of Christ. But somehow this one was not one of them. Jesus prayed for me and my faith; I'm not a fraud in my less than perfect moments. He is my anchor in choppy seas, and I am secure because of His strength and ability. Not mine. My faith won't fail/run out; it will endure every test thrown at it because Jesus prayed for it. And not just proseuchomai prayer but deomai prayer.
Something else that stood out to me in this context of Satan being behind the "buffeting" .... the NIV reads "buffeted by the waves because the 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝 was 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 it". In Hebrew thought the wind is often connected to the idea of spirit (not necessarily Spirit) and Paul says in Eph 6:12 we're not fighting flesh and blood and then he goes on to list a litany of opposing spiritual entities.
Thank you for your faithfulness in all you do to shine fresh light on God's word.
I feel a very strong affinity with Peter. He has great faith but he’s also a man driven to act on that faith. And sometimes that works in his favour and sometimes it doesn’t. He acts from his own understanding which gets him in trouble - fair enough.
But I’ve felt like God honoured the passion the zeal behind the faith. Not every action is the right one. But I can empathize with that zeal that requires me to DO something to participate, change, walk towards, reach out… I’d rather take a step in the wrong direction and have God redirect me than sit on my hands and hesitate, stay neutral, observe…
I’m always a little sad at these types of Sunday School lessons, because it inevitably lands somewhere near to — don’t be like Peter. :(
I say be EXACTLY like Peter! Our walk with the Lord is never expected to be perfect and we are going to fail at times. But Peter stayed and he kept learning and moving forward and became a great leader. So I am perfectly happy to be just like him.
Let’s keep the truth in the story. Yes, Peter got out of the boat. No he didn’t fall. He did sink! That’s just the truth.
Great faith is essential. Yet focus is also essential. Great Christians can show both faith and failure in their walk with God. Focus sustains our faith.
Amen. I always disliked that children's song “don't be like Peter who…” and I've always had a stronger affinity for Peter. And I just tried tagging you in a note I just wrote, because of a memory this post sparked.
My bad I honestly thought I was going to post that, but as I was reading a particular Psalm I was led to post something else for today. I do hope it's on tap for tomorrow.
WHAT YOU ARE SAYING AND WHAT I KNOW COULD MAYBE EXSPAND ON SCRIPURE. I'VE DONE 2 YEAR'S OF BIBLE COLLEGE COURSES AND CITY SCHOOL COLLEGE COURSES AT MOHAWK COLLEGE HERE IN HAMILTON ONTARIO CANADA 🇨🇦 NOW.
YES GIRL! Like, I knew this and believed it, but not in the way you just taught. That is a powerful word.
Thank you DJ!!
Good one! Thank you! harold
Thank you Harold!
Yes! All of this!
I think the thing that struck me most was the realization that ἐγώ εἰμι is a direct quote of the words used to identify God in multiple passages in Isaiah, combined with the grammar of how it's used here pointing unmistakably to divine self Revelation.
You have a way of writing that puts me right in the boat with the disciples - and I can “see” the story (and your teaching) happen all around. Excellent!
That is one of the greatest compliments I have ever received. Thank you. That blesses me more than you know.
Thank you for blowing up that can of aqua net. Peter's sinking is not the end of the story. I knew that when Peter walked on the water he was walking on the word and the Word was "come" but that's where my Revelation ended.
Oh it's been blown up but I have a feeling there will be another can next week LOL
Keep tipping over those tables. I might be tipping over next Friday as part of an online conversation.
LOL
I loved the timing of this post, and as stated yesterday, word study is where the Spirit speaks to my heart. Today we zoomed in on the word translated "buffeted" which is 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒛𝒐 in the Greek. Because I've been feeling a bit like a boat on stormy seas. Especially during autistic/hormonal meltdowns. Abarim Publications can sometimes get a whole lot deeper than I can wrap my brain around, but their article on this word (basanos) was a balm to my soul. They point out that the use of this word, this "torture/test" says more about the one doing the testing than it does the one being tested. "It's prudent to note this word's element of trial, which indicates both intent and suspicion on behalf of the one who's doing the testing, or the accuser in whose name he tests." That thought in turn led me to Luke 22 where Jesus tells Simon (Peter) that "Satan has asked to sift you (plural) as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
I have a lot of verses marked for the sufficiency of Christ. But somehow this one was not one of them. Jesus prayed for me and my faith; I'm not a fraud in my less than perfect moments. He is my anchor in choppy seas, and I am secure because of His strength and ability. Not mine. My faith won't fail/run out; it will endure every test thrown at it because Jesus prayed for it. And not just proseuchomai prayer but deomai prayer.
Something else that stood out to me in this context of Satan being behind the "buffeting" .... the NIV reads "buffeted by the waves because the 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝 was 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 it". In Hebrew thought the wind is often connected to the idea of spirit (not necessarily Spirit) and Paul says in Eph 6:12 we're not fighting flesh and blood and then he goes on to list a litany of opposing spiritual entities.
Thank you for your faithfulness in all you do to shine fresh light on God's word.
Thank you so much Rebecca!! And thank you for sharing your personal story.
I feel a very strong affinity with Peter. He has great faith but he’s also a man driven to act on that faith. And sometimes that works in his favour and sometimes it doesn’t. He acts from his own understanding which gets him in trouble - fair enough.
But I’ve felt like God honoured the passion the zeal behind the faith. Not every action is the right one. But I can empathize with that zeal that requires me to DO something to participate, change, walk towards, reach out… I’d rather take a step in the wrong direction and have God redirect me than sit on my hands and hesitate, stay neutral, observe…
I’m always a little sad at these types of Sunday School lessons, because it inevitably lands somewhere near to — don’t be like Peter. :(
I say be EXACTLY like Peter! Our walk with the Lord is never expected to be perfect and we are going to fail at times. But Peter stayed and he kept learning and moving forward and became a great leader. So I am perfectly happy to be just like him.
Let’s keep the truth in the story. Yes, Peter got out of the boat. No he didn’t fall. He did sink! That’s just the truth.
Great faith is essential. Yet focus is also essential. Great Christians can show both faith and failure in their walk with God. Focus sustains our faith.
The post does say "Because what Sunday school lessons skipped over entirely is everything that happened before Peter started sinking."
Amen. I always disliked that children's song “don't be like Peter who…” and I've always had a stronger affinity for Peter. And I just tried tagging you in a note I just wrote, because of a memory this post sparked.
Oooh I will check it out!!
My bad I honestly thought I was going to post that, but as I was reading a particular Psalm I was led to post something else for today. I do hope it's on tap for tomorrow.
Beautiful!
Thank you Faith!!
Is Miss Patty still alive? 🤪
Giiiirl....Miss Patty is alive and doing too much! LOL
WHAT YOU ARE SAYING AND WHAT I KNOW COULD MAYBE EXSPAND ON SCRIPURE. I'VE DONE 2 YEAR'S OF BIBLE COLLEGE COURSES AND CITY SCHOOL COLLEGE COURSES AT MOHAWK COLLEGE HERE IN HAMILTON ONTARIO CANADA 🇨🇦 NOW.