Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: LUST (all-consuming desire; excessive craving) (01/08/15)
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TITLE: False Pursuit | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gary Ritter
01/14/15 -
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Not surprisingly he ended up in juvenile detention for several years. In his jail cell, it happened. He said it was so intense, nobody would believe it, so I never did find out what it was that turned him around, but it certainly did.
All of a sudden Peter began pursuing the Lord like nobody’s business. He cleaned up his act, read the Bible daily and multiple times a year, attended church regularly and participated in youth group like he’d been born into it. It was impressive. He said, “Jesus is all I’ll ever live for from now on.” By his actions, I believed him.
I had been saved then myself, but my walk was nothing like Peter’s. I knew we weren’t supposed to compare ourselves with others because everyone’s different and God has a different plan and timetable for every one of us. Still, I was jealous. Why couldn’t my faith be as deep as his?
As the years went by God seemed to want Peter and me to continue as friends. Peter went to seminary and became a pastor. My employment journey brought me to the same town where I attended his church. Through this association we sought the Lord together.
So, what happened to Peter? How did he go off the rails? I can only say for myself that I sought after the Person of Jesus Christ. He was the One who died for me and whom I knew to be the absolute Savior of my life.
It appears that Peter strove after the idea of Jesus, not Himself. Somehow it became about Peter, as though he reverted to his younger self. In this case it looked like Peter was all in for Christ, but it was all about him. He became his own idol even as he proclaimed Christ as Lord to his congregation. Sadly, no one knew. Peter’s deception was so deep, perhaps he wasn’t even aware of it.
Peter seemed to crave Jesus more than anyone, yet his consuming desire was for his own gratification. Despite this, the Lord gave him gifts of the Spirit. God may have been testing Peter. Not only was he a talented man in the natural, he had an anointing. He prayed over people and they were healed. Not mundane aches and pains, we’re talking certified cancer patients and the like. Doctors couldn’t believe what they saw with their own eyes, and many of them believed. The world witnessed his miracles and attributed them to Peter. He neglected to give all the glory to God.
You’d think this gifting would bring Peter closer to Jesus, that it would humble him. On the outside, he coveted Jesus, but he could never find the Person of Jesus in all that he did through his faith. Pride secretly consumed him. He looked like a pillar of belief; to me and to everyone else. But God knows the heart.
When we stood that day before Jesus, He gazed on Peter with such compassion I thought my own heart would break. How He loved him! But as Peter’s life unfolded for God and all to see, the true measure of the man was revealed. I saw Jesus’ tears. His grace and mercy are boundless, yet He is the most holy Judge. He pointed to the left.
Peter cried out, “Lord, Lord, did I not prophesy in Your Name, and in Your Name drive out demons and perform many miracles?”
I hung my head as I witnessed his desperation.
Jesus then told him plainly, “I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoer!”
Oh, if I could only warn those who lust after the counterfeit, that which the world sees and approves, but which Jesus condemns!
Peter looked back as he and the multitude descended into hell. Our eyes met, and he disappeared into darkness.
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Excellent work.
God bless~