This is going to be a GREAT week to attend ABC! We are going to ask Jesus to pour out all kinds of blessings and favor on the Dads that come to worship with us. I will be continuing in our Theme: “Summer of 3:16.” Each week I will be sharing about a verse in the Bible that is found in a 3rd chapter the 16th verse.
This Sunday we will look at Exodus 3:16: “Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers–the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob–appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt.”
Last week we studied from Mark 3:16: “These are the twelve He appointed: Simon (to whom He gave the name Peter)”
When everyone else looked at Simon, they saw an ordinary man with an ordinary job from an ordinary city. But when Jesus looked into Simon’s eyes, the windows of his soul, he saw something extra-ordinary. He saw what was possible through faith. Jesus saw a rock (the meaning of the word translated Peter). Jesus saw a solid confidence in a man who would eventually be willing to be crucified upside-down because of his rock-solid faith in Christ.
What’s interesting is that for three years Jesus continued to call him Simon. There is one occasion where Jesus uses Simon’s new name: Mark 16:6,7. It’s a time of darkness and despair for Peter. He is absolutely at his lowest because of his 3-fold denial of Jesus. Some of Christ’s first resurrection words were these: “Tell my disciples AND PETER that I’m alive.”
Did you see that? While Peter is at his lowest, Jesus uses the name Peter to assure him that he is still a rock, still dependable, still usable. Peter’s denial did not disqualify him.
What does Jesus see when he gazes at you? He is not limited by the past, present or future. He is not impressed by the externals that others see, nor is he disappointed. He is not needy, he’s not looking at you to get anything. Here’s what Jesus sees: Original design and ultimate destiny.
You were made in God’s image and you are destined to rule and to reign with Christ for eternity. You are a force, you are beautifully made, you are a delight to Christ. That’s what Jesus sees when he looks at you!
Please join us this week at 30th Street beach in Avalon, NJ. Bring your coffee, a beach chair and loads of friends and family. And if you are able, bring your Dad! It’s going to be a GREAT day at ABC.
Avalon Beach Church 