On Fire for Christ
Fire seemed to feature in the key events of Peter's life.
He thought back to that fateful night in Jerusalem beside the 'fire'.
Remembering how having expressed undying allegiance in the upper room to the Lord,
at the arrest he even spontaneously attacked the mob with his sword.
Then in the confusion he had abandoned Him and all the disciples had fled.
Later, in fear, he had denied any knowledge of his friend Jesus, emphasising it with an oath.
Following at a distance in the courtyard of the high priest, he had denied Him thrice,
The resurrection had changed his sorrow for these actions into joy.
As he thought fondly of his private conversation with his risen Lord,
he recalled how forgiveness had been granted to him by the grace of God.
Then later beside another 'fire' on the lakeside shore with his friends.
As they had tried to return to ' normal ' life, fishing, the risen Lord had appeared.
There had followed a threefold declaration of love reminding him of his earlier denials
as he was charged by Christ to feed His 'flock' and be the spiritual leader of His 'sheep'.
The ' fire ' of the Spirit that came at Pentecost changed his life forever
He had witnessed his Lord's ascension receiving His promise of power.
Having obediently waited, the promise had been fulfilled, and with boldness he spoke out.
The crucified one had risen , proving himself to be the promised Messiah he announced,
and now He commanded everyone to repent and believe,
to trust in Him and be baptised in His name.The Church in its infancy was thus born.
Peter the rock had become and would remain on fire for his Lord.
©↽