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And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again… And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” Mark 8:31-33 When Jesus spoke about “the things of God,” He was referring to what He had just said: that He must die and rise again. Satan did all that he could to prevent Jesus from going to the cross. He must have known that this would spell his ultimate defeat. But what the world most needs from Jesus is that He should suffer, be rejected, be killed, and on the third day rise again—and this is what He has done! Why was this so important? Because, at the cross, Jesus made atonement for our sins. He bore the punishment that would have been ours. He made peace with God. He reconciled us to the Father. This is the reason why Satan did everything in his power to prevent Jesus from going to the cross. He laid hold of the mind and heart of Peter and cried out through his voice, “This shall never happen to you!” But despite all the opposition of Satan, and even of His own disciples, Jesus set His face to go to Jerusalem, and there He laid down His life for us. What the world needs most from Jesus is the atonement He made for our sins. And this He accomplished through His death and resurrection. He is the Christ. And He offers grace, mercy, forgiveness, and peace to all who will trust in Him. What do you think you most need from Jesus? Written by Colin SmithRead by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan!” Mark 8:33 When we sin, there is always a story of how we came to do what we did. Someone says, “This person put me in an impossible position. I was provoked, and that is why I acted as I did.” When Eve was tempted and committed the first sin, she said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate” (Gen. 3:13). The serpent was responsible for the deceiving; but Eve was responsible for the eating. And God dealt with both according to their responsibility. Satan tempted Jesus through the well-meaning words of His friend, and when Jesus recognised the activity of Satan, He rebuked Peter. But Jesus also held Peter accountable for what he said and did. God is just. The judge of all the earth will hold others accountable for what they did and for the effect it had on you. Nonetheless, God will hold you accountable for what you said and did. It is easy to put the blame on others who played some role in causing you to sin. God will deal with them for what they did. Your part is to take responsibility for what is yours. Notice Jesus said, “Get behind me, Satan!” (Mark 8:33). Peter was in front of Jesus, and Jesus commanded Satan to get behind Him. If Peter were here today, he might say, “At first I thought Jesus was telling me to get behind Him. He’s done with me. He never wants to see me again.” “Then I realised, He didn’t say, ‘Get behind me, Peter.’ Satan was the one who had to move, and my choice was simple: cling to Satan and separate from Jesus or cling to Jesus and separate from Satan. Jesus put Himself between me and the enemy. And in removing Satan, He restored me.” Is there a sin in your life you’ve been blaming on others? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter. Mark 8:33 When Peter rebuked Jesus, he was trying to stop Jesus from going to the cross—we should be very thankful that Jesus rebuked Peter. Imagine Peter standing at the pearly gates of heaven. If Jesus had followed Peter’s counsel, what would have happened to him when he arrived? Peter knocks on heaven’s door and an angel answers, “Who are you?”“I’m Peter. I was one of Jesus’ disciples.” “Yes, but why are you here?”Peter confesses, “Well, these are the gates of heaven, and I’d like to come in.”“I’m sorry,” the angel says, “but you are a sinful man. Don’t you remember you said that yourself when you were with Jesus? Heaven is a holy place. There is no room for sin of any kind here.” Then pointing to a dark and foreboding gate, the angel offers, “There is another gate just across there. Knock on that door. They will have room for you.” No one could stop Jesus from fulfilling His mission of bringing blessing to the world through the cross. When a person is on a self-destructive path, a sharp rebuke is an expression of love. Peter could not see that what he was suggesting would lead to his own destruction. Just as he needed Jesus’ rebuke, there will be times when we need Jesus’ rebuke, too. How does Jesus rebuke us? “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16, NIV). Christ rebukes us through His Word, and His rebuke is always an expression of His love. When you read the Bible, do you only look for and apply God’s promises? Or do you also look for and receive God’s rebukes? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

“Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” Matthew 16:22 If ever there was a moment when you would feel you could have full confidence in what someone said, this would be it. Peter was blessed by God. He had been walking with God in the flesh. God has opened his eyes to the truth about Jesus—surely what this man says must be right! But Peter’s well-meaning counsel to Jesus was completely wrong. When Peter said to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” he was right (Matt. 16:16). And when he said to Jesus, “Far be it from you Lord! This shall never happen to you,” he was wrong. The wisest believers can sometimes be wrong, so learn discernment in what you hear from others. The wisest counsellor you know may sometimes be wrong. Remembering this truth will keep you from putting someone you trust in the place that belongs to Jesus alone. So, here is what we learn from Peter’s presumptuous rebuke to Jesus: Learn to recognise when you are especially vulnerable to temptation.Learn humility in what you ask of Jesus.Learn discernment in what you hear from others. “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man” (Psa. 118:8). Is there someone in your life that you are trusting more than Jesus? Is there someone in your life that you are looking to for approval more than Jesus? Ask God to examine your heart and reveal to you the “counsel” you are truly trusting. Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

“Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” Matthew 16:22 If you have faith in Jesus, there will be times when you are tempted to tell Him what you think He must do. That is what Peter was doing. Telling Jesus what He must do might sound like faith, but it is the opposite of faith. Here is the great contradiction: on the one hand, to confess Jesus as the Christ means that you embrace Jesus as your teacher, saviour, and master but, on the other hand, when Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, he presumed to tell Jesus what He must and must not do. Jesus is the teacher, but Peter presumed to teach Jesus a better way. Jesus is the saviour, but Peter wanted to save Jesus from going to the cross. Jesus is the master, but Peter felt that he was able to tell Jesus what He must do. Peter was blessed with wisdom and insight, but it had gone to his head. He thought he knew better than Jesus. He wanted to teach the teacher, save the saviour, and master the master. “Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him” (Mk. 8:32). Have you ever done that? Have there been times when you have been so sure of the best outcome that you have presumed to say, “Jesus, this is what you must do!”? There is a warning here against presumptuous prayers. Learn humility in what you ask of Jesus. This is how Jesus taught us to pray: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). Think about your own prayer life. On a scale of 1 (humble “your will be done”) to 10 (presumptuous “you must do this”) how are you talking to God right now? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

Peter took [Jesus] aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, [Jesus] rebuked Peter. Mark 8:32-33 This is a story about two rebukes: Peter rebukes Jesus, and Jesus rebukes Peter. There are certain times when we are especially vulnerable to temptation. One obvious example is when we are tired. When we are tired, we do not see things clearly and we are less careful in what we say. We are less patient and more easily provoked. For example, when the disciples were in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said to them, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Matt. 26:41). It was late at night and they were tired, so they did not watch and they did not pray, and they fell into temptation. But what we find here in this story is that we are more prone to temptation when we are blessed. Peter had just confessed faith in Jesus, and Jesus said, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah!” (Mat. 16:17). Peter experienced the blessing of God, and that’s when he fell into temptation. It is not hard to see how this happened. Jesus said, “You are blessed,” and Peter thought: That’s right. I am blessed. Jesus said, “My Father in heaven has revealed this to you,” and Peter thought: That’s right. The Father is revealing things to me. The blessing of God goes to his head, and pride comes before a fall (Prov. 16:18). The blessing of God comes, and arrogance and presumption follow. You are so sure of yourself that you are no longer listening to Jesus. Watch and pray so that you do not enter into temptation. When do you find that you are especially vulnerable to temptation?   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. Mark 8:31 There are four things that Jesus must do: suffer, be rejected, be killed, and rise again. When Jesus told this to the disciples, Peter “took him aside and began to rebuke him” (8:32). Jesus “said this plainly” (8:32). Peter’s problem was not that he did not understand; it was that he did understand—and he was adamantly opposed to what Jesus had said. Peter had a good heart. He loved Jesus, and he wanted the best for Him. Peter wanted what’s best for the world, and he felt sure that he knew what that was. In Peter’s day, as in ours, there were sick people who needed to be healed, hungry people who needed to be fed, and oppressed people who needed to be set free. The needs of the world press in every day, and Peter knew that Jesus had the power to meet these needs. He had seen Jesus feed the hungry, heal the sick, and set oppressed people free. Like any good leader, Peter was already framing the next phase of the vision in his mind. Jesus did all these things in a small rural area of Galilee. “Now,” Peter probably thought, “we take this thing on the road! We go to Jerusalem, then Judea and Samaria, and then to the ends of the earth. This is what we must do.” But Jesus said something different. The One who healed the sick, fed the hungry, and freed the oppressed, must give Himself to a higher calling. He has come to do a greater work; and, to do it He must suffer, He must be rejected, He must be killed, and after three days, He must rise. Why do you think it was so hard for Peter to accept Jesus’ true mission? Can you relate? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah!” Matthew 16:16 Peter did not come to this confession of faith suddenly. He had been in the company of Jesus for eighteen months. Faith in Jesus had been forming; convictions about Jesus had been settling. Faith is formed by walking with Jesus, and it may be that for some time faith has been forming in you. This was a decisive moment in Peter’s journey of faith—blessing came to him when he confessed faith in Jesus. Faith in Jesus, however faltering, will always bring blessing. Imagine a woman telling you about her journey to faith. She learned some Bible truths from her father growing up, but she never made a commitment. She had been loosely connected to various churches over the years, but she remained on the fence. Then one night she had a harrowing experience in which she was aware of the protection of God. The following morning, she got into a taxi, when some words pressed into her mind and heart: “Tell the cab driver that you believe in Jesus.” Not being able to shake off these words, she leaned over reluctantly and said to the driver, “I don’t normally do this, but I want to tell you that I believe in Jesus.” It may be that you have never told anyone that you believe in Jesus. But God has been opening your eyes and softening your heart, and you have come to the place where you believe: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Rom. 10:9) In confessing, you will be blessed. Here is your invitation: tell someone, “I believe in Jesus.” Who will it be? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 What is the rock on which Jesus will build His church? Some say it’s Peter. Some say it’s faith. Some say it’s Jesus. When there is debate over how to understand a verse, a good question to ask is whether there are other Bible passages that shed light on this one, and there are. Some believe the answer is Peter, since Ephesians 2:20 teaches that the church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.” However, the writer immediately adds, “Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” Others teach that the answer is faith, and they point to 1 Peter 2:5, where believers are “like living stones… being built up as a spiritual house.” But this comes right after Peter describes Jesus as a living stone: “As you come to Him, a living stone” (1 Pet. 2:4). In support of Jesus, 1 Corinthians 3:11 says, “No one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” All three answers probably went through Peter’s mind. If he were here today, he might say: My first thought was that Jesus was referring to me. But that would be a very shaky foundation! Then I thought, maybe He is referring to the faith I’d just confessed. But that didn’t sit right with me. Jesus does not rest on what our faith can do; our faith rests on Jesus and what He can do. Then it dawned on me: I’d just said to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” and then Jesus said, “On this rock I will build my church.” Perhaps Jesus was referring to Himself. If the church is built on Jesus, it has a firm foundation. It is safe and secure. What are you building your life on? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 16:17 Jesus said to Peter, “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you.” You didn’t work this out for yourself. And you didn’t get this faith from someone else. As you think about your own journey to faith, if you are a believer, you will be able to think of people who helped you along the way. Maybe your mum played a role in you coming to faith, or your dad. Maybe a close friend in college or later in life encouraged you to open the Bible. God works through means—mums and dads, churches and friends, and He even uses strangers. But here is what you need to remember: however great the influence of your mother, father, church, or friend in your coming to faith, you did not get your faith from your mother, father, church, or friend. Flesh and blood did not reveal Jesus to you. Then who did? Jesus said, “My Father who is in heaven” (16:17). Yes, your mother taught you, or your friend helped you, but God opened your eyes. God caused your dead soul to live, and He gave you a heart that loves and trusts Him. Here is the faith we confess: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; faith is a believing response to Jesus; and this faith is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8). Will you confess faith in Jesus today? If you are a Christian believer, what “means” did God use to bring you to faith? If you are not yet a Christian, who is He using to open your eyes to Jesus Christ?   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

“You are the Christ.” Matthew 16:16Confessing faith in Jesus does not mean that you have your whole life sorted out—that you never have doubts and that all your questions are answered. What it does mean is that you embrace Jesus as your teacher, your saviour, and your master.Your teacherEmbracing Jesus as your teacher means that you give up your right to disagree with Him. When you commit to learning from Jesus, you are saying, “Jesus, your teaching in the Bible is my creed. Even when I do not fully understand what You are saying, and even when what You call me to do is difficult and costly, I will obey.”Your saviourEmbracing Jesus as your saviour means you give up any other hope of saving yourself. When you trust Jesus to save you, you are saying, “I fall short of what You call me to be, and becoming what God calls me to be is beyond my ability. So, I look to You to give me what I do not have.”Your masterEmbracing Jesus as your master means that you give up the right to rule your own life. You recognise the right of Jesus Christ to direct you in whatever way He chooses: “You are the King who calls me into your service. So, I place myself entirely at your disposal, knowing that in giving up my life to You, I will find it.”Confessing that Jesus is the Christ does not mean you do all these things perfectly. No one is a perfect Christian.But it does mean that these are the commitments of your life. And they are non-negotiable.This is what it means to confess that Jesus is the Christ.Will you join Peter and the great company of all who believe by confessing faith in Jesus today?

“You are the Christ.” Matthew 16:16Faith is a believing response to Jesus in which we confess two things: 1) who He is in relation to God, and 2) who He is in relation to us. Let’s look today at who Jesus is in relation to us.Peter called Jesus the Christ, and the name means “Messiah” or “Anointed One.” But this raises the question: anointed, chosen, set apart, for what purpose?Throughout the Bible story, God is engaged in three activities. First, He reveals Himself, so that we may know Him. Second, He reconciles us to Himself, so that we can come to Him. Finally, He rules the world, so that His plans will be fulfilled and His people will be blessed.In the Old Testament, three kinds of people were anointed. The prophets spoke the Word of God, and they were anointed for God’s work of revealing. The priests offered the sacrifices, and they were anointed for God’s work of reconciling. The kings guarded and led God’s people, and they were anointed for God’s work of ruling. Prophets, priests, and kings were anointed to carry out on earth what God was doing in heaven.Each one, in their own way, pointed to the Anointed One—who would accomplish these three things: make God fully known, reconcile us to God, and bring in God’s kingdom by delivering His people from their enemies and by bringing them into the joys of life under His rule.When Peter said, “You are the Christ,” he was saying, “You are the One in whom all that God is doing is fulfilled.” Jesus is the Christ because He came to fulfil God’s work of revealing, reconciling, and ruling.Do you confess today that Jesus is the Christ? 1) Are you learning from Jesus as your teacher (who reveals God to you)? 2) Are you trusting in Jesus as your saviour (who reconciles you to God)? 3) Are you serving Jesus as your master (who rules over your life)?

“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Matthew 16:13Son of Man was a favourite name that Jesus used for Himself. And this was a question about culture. Jesus was inquiring, “Tell me what people are saying about Me. What are the prevailing ideas about Me in your culture?”Opinions about Jesus were all over the map. “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (16:14). There was no consensus or agreement.You could hardly have two characters more different than Elijah and Jeremiah. Elijah was known for his triumphs and Jeremiah was known for his tears. The world never changes. It is always confused about Jesus.Then Jesus asked the one question that really matters: “But who do you say that I am?” (16:15). The “you” is plural. Jesus was looking at His twelve disciples, and He was asking a question of the entire group.Peter stepped forward and answered for himself, for the other disciples, and for all believers. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (16:16).Do you think people today are as confused about Jesus as they were during the time of the disciples? What do people think today? Does this match what you think about Him?

“You are… the Son of the living God.” MATTHEW 16:16Do you have faith? Faith is not confidence in ourselves. Faith is not confidence in the church or in other Christians. Faith is a believing response to Jesus.You may say, “I’ve been disappointed by Christians and hurt by the church.” The good news is that Jesus does not ask you to confess faith in other Christians or to confess faith in the church. Jesus invites you to place your faith in Him.Faith is a believing response to Jesus in which we confess two things: 1) who He is in relation to God, and 2) who He is in relation to us. First, let’s consider who Jesus is in relation to God.Jesus is “the Son of the Living God” (Mat. 16:16). When Jesus was baptised, God spoke in an audible voice, just as He had done when He gave the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. The Spirit of God descended on Jesus like a dove, and a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Mat. 3:17).Jesus is the Son of God. What does that mean? The fullness of God dwells in Him (Col. 2:9). The glory of God shines from Him (2 Cor. 4:6). And He is the image of God, the exact representation of His being (Col. 1:15 and Heb. 1:3).Jesus said to Thomas, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). On another occasion, Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” (10:30).So, to honour Jesus is to honour the Father, to trust Jesus is to trust the Father, to love Jesus is to love the Father, and to worship Jesus is to worship the Father. When Christians confess that Jesus is the Son of God, they are confessing who He is in relation to the Father.How would you have described the relationship between Jesus and God the Father before reading this? How does this clarify or add to your understanding of this relationship?

And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:32-33The disciples probably still had a thousand questions. Why did Jesus allow this storm? Why did He tell them to get in the boat when He knew a storm was coming? Why did Jesus leave the disciples straining at the oars for so long? Why did He not come in the first watch of the night, or the second, or the third? What if there is another storm?These men had something better to do than agonise over unanswered questions. They realised that the Son of God was with them, and that led them to worship. When you realise that the Son of God is always with you and for you— that He will never let you go, then you will worship too.This is God’s promise in the storms of life: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you… For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour” (Isa. 43:1-3).Pray and ask God to strengthen your faith and deliver you from fear. Ask Him to hasten the day when all storms will cease, and we will worship with great joy in His holy presence.Written by Colin SmithRead by Sue McLeish

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Matthew 14:30 We do not know how far Jesus was from the boat when Peter stepped onto the water, but suppose Jesus was 50 feet from the boat. Jesus said, “Come,” and Peter put one foot on the water. It held. Then he swung his weight over the side of the boat and stood with both feet on the water. He looked at Jesus and took his first step forward, then a second, and then a third. He was doing it—Peter was walking on water. He walked ten feet, twenty, and then thirty. He started to think, “This is amazing! What I am doing is quite remarkable!” Then he looked at the wind, and when he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink. There is a warning for us here: if God enables us to accomplish great things, we must beware of being captivated by our own achievements. Fear rushed in when Peter took his eyes off Jesus. Can I withstand this wind? How long can I keep this up? And he began to sink. “And beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’” Being saved is more important than some experience that may have happened when you first trusted Jesus. Being saved means that you have a living saviour, who is always for you, always with you, and you can always count on Him. When Peter cried out, “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (14:31). Jesus may let you sink deep enough to realise that you cannot save yourself. But He will never let you go. He will reach out His hand and take hold of you. Are you still looking at Jesus? Or are you focused on what you are doing for Him? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish

He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. Matthew 14:29 Jesus can impart His power so that you can do what would not otherwise be possible. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). What has Jesus called you to do that you fear is beyond you? You say, “I cannot do it.” Yes, you can, for Jesus will give you what you need to do what He is calling you to do. This is good news, because Jesus calls us to a life that is impossible apart from His power: “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:16); “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31); “Fear not” (Isa. 43:1). What Jesus commands might seem impossible, but when He calls you to do something, He will give you the power to do it. On one occasion, Jesus met a man with a withered hand. His hand was limp, and he could not move it. Jesus said, “Stretch out your hand” (Mark 3:5). What an extraordinary thing to say, for that is exactly what the man could not do. But the Scripture says, “He stretched it out, and his hand was restored” (3:5). Jesus gave the power with the command. Jesus gave Peter a single command: “Come.” The only problem was that to obey the command, Peter had to walk on water. Jesus says, “Come” to all of us. “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden” (Matt. 11:28). “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37). What do you have to overcome to get to Jesus? Maybe you have thought about following Jesus. Remember, He will give you all that you need to do what He is calling you to do.   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Matthew 14:28 Would you have said this? Most people would not have the courage. Maybe you would have said, “Lord, if it is you, calm this raging storm, and take us safely to the shore.” When we face a great trial, our natural reaction is to ask, “When will this be over? When can I get back to the life I want to live?” We plead, “Lord, calm the storm and get me out of here!” But that is not what Peter said. He said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Instead of wishing that the storm would cease, Peter felt this was the perfect opportunity for a bold, new venture of faith. Here is a good question to ask when you find yourself in a storm: What opportunity is there, in the middle of this, for a new venture of faith? What are we to make of Peter walking on the water? This part of the story should have one of those “Do not try this at home” warnings attached to it. If you try getting out of a boat “by faith,” you will not automatically walk on water. Faith is not recklessness. Remember that the devil tempted Jesus by suggesting He should throw Himself from the pinnacle of the temple, because the angels would bear Him up. Jesus said, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matt. 4:5-7). Faith is not “believing that anything is possible if only you believe it hard enough.” Rather, faith is a believing response to the Word of God. Peter got this exactly right. He said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” In your trouble, what opportunity is there for a new venture of faith?

But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. Matthew 14:26 The disciples felt they were in the presence of evil. After all, it was dark, the wind was howling, and the waves were beating against the boat. When the light of Jesus’ presence drew near, they thought they were seeing a ghost. They were afraid that the night is ruled by dark and sinister forces, but Jesus rules the night as well as the day. He rules in the storm as well as in the calm. Have you felt fear like this? Evil powers are unleashed, the world seems like a dark and hostile place. It is frightening, and you wonder, “Where is Jesus in all this?” The Bible speaks openly about the reality of fear in the life of a believer. The disciples were terrified. These men were authentic disciples, but they were afraid. The presence of fear does not mean the absence of faith. The faith of the disciples was tested when Jesus seemed far away. But Jesus had not abandoned His disciples to dark and evil powers. “But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid’” (14:27). The disciples thought that Jesus was far away from them, up on some mountain praying on His own. They thought that only evil was near. But Jesus is near to us even when we think He is not. Are you afraid right now? Does it feel like Jesus is far away?   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side… the boat… was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. Matthew 14:22-24 The disciples were caught in a storm, and Jesus was not with them. They were stuck in the middle of the lake. Storms often pass quickly, but this one just kept coming. The disciples were straining at the oars and making very little progress. How much longer could they keep this up? Perhaps you know what this is like. A storm blows up in your life, and the wind is against you. You are straining at the oars, and Jesus seems far away. That is where the disciples were. Pause to try and take this in. There was no obvious way for Jesus to get to the disciples. Jesus was on the land, and the disciples were on the water. There was no other boat in the harbour (see John 6:22), so how could Jesus reach them? The disciples probably said to each other, “If Jesus was with us in the boat, He could rebuke the storm, like last time. Jesus can’t reach us here. We are on our own.” But storms cannot keep Jesus from His disciples: “In the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea” (Matt. 14:25). Jesus draws near when we need Him the most. This story shows that there is no place, however dark, where Jesus Christ cannot reach you. You will come to some dark and scary places in your life. There may be times when Jesus seems far away, but no storm can ever keep Jesus away from you: Nothing can “separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:39). Does it feel like Jesus cannot reach you right now?   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. Matthew 14:23-24 Jesus fed 5,000 people, multiplying five loaves and two fish in His hands. And when the crowd saw what He could do, they wanted to take Jesus by force and make Him king (John 6:15). Some of the disciples probably liked this idea, so to keep them from this temptation, Jesus “immediately… made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds” (Matt. 14:22). Then Jesus went up on the mountain—alone—to pray (14:23). Most likely, the disciples did not expect a storm. Notice, Jesus made them get into the boat. They did not want to go, but they went in obedience to Him. The Gospels contain two stories about storms. In the first, Jesus was in the boat with the disciples. He had fallen asleep, and the disciples had to wake Him: “Save us, Lord; we are perishing” (Matt. 8:25). Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves, saying, “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39). When Jesus spoke, the wind ceased and there was a great calm. The second story is different, because Jesus was not in the boat with the disciples. In the first story, Jesus is near to the disciples; but in the second, Jesus is far away. Jesus promised that He is with us always (Matt. 28:20). He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). But sometimes Jesus feels far away. Every believer knows what this is like. Faith is tested when you are surrounded by a storm and you feel the absence of Jesus. Does Jesus feel far away from you right now?   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. Hebrews 2:8 It is one thing to have faith in Jesus when the sky is blue, but it is another to have faith in Jesus during a storm. What does that look like? Matthew shows us in the story of two men walking on the water (Mat. 14:22-33). There were two miracles here. Jesus walked on the water to reach the disciples, and Peter walked on the water to reach Jesus. These point to two marvellous truths: Jesus rules over every storm, and one day you will share in His rule. We were made to rule over creation: “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honour, putting everything in subjection under his feet” (Heb. 2:6-8). The purpose of God is that all storms, evil, sickness, and even death itself, will be under our feet. But we fell. In reaching to be more, we became less and, in trying to take the place that belongs to God, we lost the place that God gave to us. That is why Hebrews says, “at present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him.” We no longer rule over creation, but are subject to its powers. The hurricane, mudslide, wildfire, flood, and virus all rule over us. The destructive powers of pride, greed, hatred, and violence are not yet under our feet. We try to overcome them, and by God’s grace we are given some success, but these dark powers are always present. They are not yet subject to us. “Not yet” holds a marvellous promise. God promised there will be a glorious new world in which His redeemed people will reign with Him forever (Rev. 22:5). But that day has not come—not yet. What is one thing that feels like it will never change? Apply God’s promise of the “not yet” to it.   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:11 It took two large boats and their crews to haul in the nets filled with fish. The weight of the fish was so great that the boats barely made it back to the shore. Never in their lives had they pulled in such a catch of fish. Peter might have looked at Jesus and said, “Lord, we could really use you in this business. If you became a partner in what we’re doing, then we would have the biggest fishing fleet the world has ever seen!” This is always the temptation: to view the awesome power of Jesus as something that is useful to us: “Think what we could do if we could harness the power of Jesus!” But Peter and the others did not respond that way. “They left everything and followed him.” They left the catch of their lives on the shore. Zebedee, the father of James and John, would have taken the fish to the market, and the crew would have enjoyed the greatest bonus of their lives. But Peter, James, and John left the fish on the shore, and they followed Jesus. Peter never got over his sense of awe at the holiness of Jesus, but as he followed Jesus, he discovered grace. He discovered what Jesus can do in the life of a flawed disciple. And if you follow Him as well, you will discover what He can do in the life of a flawed disciple. What do you need to leave behind in order to discover what Jesus can do in your life?   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” Luke 5:10 Jesus did not give up on Peter, and He will not give up on you. Jesus knows you and what He can make of you. This is why Jesus moves toward sinners. Jesus called him Simon, which was Peter’s old name. Most likely, Jesus called him by his old name, because Simon was behaving like the person he used to be. The whole story is about how Simon becomes Peter—the man Christ was calling him to be. Since Peter’s first response to the presence of Jesus was fear, Jesus said, “Do not be afraid.” Peter knew himself, and he just could not see himself as a disciple of Jesus. “Me? Your disciple? You can’t be serious. You don’t know me!” But Jesus did know him, and Jesus called Peter, not because of who he was, but because of who he would become. Why should Peter not be afraid? Because Jesus said: “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (5:32). Jesus was saying, “Peter, I cannot use people who feel that they have made it. I don’t call people who feel they are on the right side of God. The people I call are the ones who know their sin and feel their need. They are the ones who are most useful in my kingdom.” When Jesus called Peter the first time, He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19). Now Jesus was reminding Peter of the promise: “I told you that I would make you a fisher of people. You did not think I could do that with you. But what I said will come to pass.” “From now on you will be catching men” (Luke 5:10). This was the turning point for Peter. From now on things will be different. From now on what Jesus said will happen. From now on Peter would be catching men and women. Are you afraid that Jesus will give up on you? Do you see a glimmer of hope in Peter’s story?   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 Jesus was saying, “Peter, the great project of your life will be to throw the net of the gospel into the sea of the world and draw people into the shores of God’s kingdom.” What kind of person can do this? Only some kind of saint. But Peter knew that he was no saint. So, he said to Jesus: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” Peter showed tremendous honesty. He didn’t say, “I’ve made a few mistakes.” He didn’t say, “At least I was sincere.” Or “I am a very spiritual person.” He said, “I am a sinful man.” “Depart from me.” This is what sinners say when they know that they are in the presence of a holy God. If a person is deeply resistant to God, it is sometimes a sign that God is drawing near. On the last day, God will say to the wicked: “Depart from me.” But there is a profound sense in which, when the day of judgment comes, God will not need to send sinners to hell. They will know they do not belong in heaven and will shrink away themselves. Peter’s mistake was that he felt his sin was the defining thing about him. “This is who I am—a sinful man. That is all I ever will be, and that disqualifies me from being a disciple of Jesus.” Maybe you feel that there are sins in your life that would make it impossible for you to be a disciple of Jesus, and the best that you can hope for is to remain on the sidelines as a believer with very little to offer. If that is where you are, here is some good news. Your sin need not be the defining thing about you. Jesus is calling you to be His disciple. And He will make you what He is calling you to be. Do you feel disqualified from being a disciple of Jesus? If so, why?   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Luke 5:8 Peter was happy to lend his boat to Jesus. He called Him “Master” (5:5). When Jesus told him to throw out the net, he was ready to do what Jesus said. Peter probably would have described himself as a good person, a hard worker, a man devoted to his family—a man who believed in Jesus. But when Peter saw the glory of Jesus, he saw himself in an entirely different light: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Why did Peter feel like this? It could be that there was a particular sin in his life, something he was ashamed of, which made him feel he must stay at a distance from Jesus. Perhaps this is why he was on the edge of the crowd. Maybe you also feel you need to keep your distance from Jesus, because of who you are or what you have done. Nonetheless, most likely Peter was not thinking of just one sin. Instead, Peter felt like a complete failure, sinful through and through. Why? He had tried being a disciple before and failed. When Peter’s brother, Andrew, first introduced him to Jesus, Peter made a commitment to Jesus. He left his nets to follow Him. But something went wrong, and Peter went back. That is why he was on the edge of the crowd, telling Jesus to leave him. “I tried being your disciple, and I couldn’t keep it up. The life you are calling me to is beyond me. I don’t have what it takes. I’m not your man, Jesus. You need to choose someone else.” Have you tried to live the Christian life, only to find you could not do it? It was too hard, so now you are on the edge. You know Jesus has something to offer, but you feel that it is not for you. Are you trying to keep Jesus at a distance today? If so, can you identify why?   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4 Peter had worked an entire night on his own and he caught nothing. Now, with Jesus in the boat, there are so many fish, he cannot pull them in. So, “they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink” (5:7). Peter and everyone with him “were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken” (5:9). Astonished! Who is this, that He can bid fish jump into a net, and they obey Him? A sense of wonder led them to believe in Jesus, and it grew as they continued to follow Him—Jesus is unlike any other person who has ever lived. Jesus makes commands no one else could. He stilled a storm (Mark 4:39). He commanded evil powers that had possessed a man and terrorised a community, and they left (5:13). Jesus makes claims no one else could sustain. He spoke about God as His own Father. He said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). Jesus makes judgments no one else could pronounce. “I know that you do not have the love of God within you” (John 5:42). “You know neither me nor my Father (John 8:19). Jesus makes promises no one else could keep. “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life” (John 5:24). Authentic discipleship begins with seeing the glory of Jesus. Do you see anything unusual, extraordinary, or astonishing about Jesus?   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

Getting into one of the boats, which was [Peter’s], he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. Luke 5:3 The crowd was pressing in, and Jesus was in danger of being pushed into the water. So He called Peter, who rowed him out from the shore, and Jesus spoke from the boat. After Jesus was done, He said to Peter, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (5:4). Peter gave an honest response: “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets” (5:5). Peter obeyed the Word of God, and here is what happened: He saw Jesus’ glory. Peter had worked the entire night on his own and caught nothing. Now, with Jesus in the boat, he can’t pull in all the fish. Peter “and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken” (5:9). Astonished! Who is this? He confessed his need to Jesus. Peter would likely have described himself as a good person, a hard worker, devoted to his family, and a believer in Jesus. But when Peter saw Jesus’ glory, he saw himself in a new light: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (5:8). He found hope in Jesus. The reason Jesus said to Peter, “Do not be afraid” (5:10) is that Peter’s first response to Jesus was fear. He cannot see himself as a disciple. “Me? Your disciple? You don’t know me.” But Jesus called Peter, not because of who he was, but because of what Jesus could make of him: “from now on you will be catching men” (5:10). He became a follower of Jesus. “And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him” (5:11). Peter never got over his sense of awe at the holiness of Jesus. But as he followed, he discovered grace, what Jesus can do in the life of a flawed disciple. What one thing in God’s Word could you go and obey right now?   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Luke 5:1-2 Picture the scene: Jesus stood on the shore with his back to the water. A crowd had gathered and was anxious to hear what He had to say. Many were pressing in—eager to hear the Word of God. Then Jesus noticed a couple of boats near the lake. Peter was there with his business partners, James and John. They were not in the crowd pressing in to hear the Word of God. They were off to the side, washing their nets. Jesus was speaking the Word, but these men appear preoccupied with something else. Maybe you are on the edge today. You go to church, and the service is going on around you, but you are not especially engaged. You are fiddling with your phone— your mind is on other things. You see a pastor in front speaking from the Bible, and while other people seem eager to hear what he has to say, you are on the edge, not expecting anything significant to happen to you. Well, Peter was in a similar position. Why was Peter on the edge of the crowd? He already knew Jesus. His brother Andrew heard John the Baptist say, “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:36). Andrew told his brother Peter, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). Peter had heard Jesus speak the Word of God before. There had been a time when Peter listened intently, but somehow, the Word of God had become dull to him. What was compelling to others was no longer compelling to him. Can you identify with a person who is on the fringe of the church? Has the Word of God become dull to you? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." Matthew 28:19 “How many members are in your church?” he asked. The pastor gave a ballpark answer. The man replied, “Yes, but how many of them are disciples?” A whole world of programmes, practices, courses, and ministries have sprung up around this theme of discipleship. These programmes lay out what you must do— and some of them are helpful. But these kinds of programmes sometimes discourage, for the “model” disciple is often held up as someone who always believes and never doubts, someone whose prayers are always answered, and someone who always gives clear and effective witness to Jesus. “That’s a long way from the reality of my life,” most Christians would have to admit. And it’s a long way from what you find in the Gospels. They do not present to us an airbrushed picture of the ideal Christian. Peter is, like us, a mass of contradictions. He is a committed follower of Jesus, yet he keeps questioning what Jesus says. He launches out in faith, yet he is held back by fear. Sometimes he speaks with wisdom that only God could give; at other times, he speaks as if he was possessed by the devil. In Peter, we find what it looks like to be an authentic disciple. So, if you have felt that being a genuine disciple of Jesus is beyond you, here is some encouragement. The word disciple simply means ‘learner.’ A learner is one who, by definition, is not yet all he or she hopes to be. You look back with regret at things you said or did. You find it hard to live with some bad decisions you have made. “I am a follower of Jesus. How could I have messed up so badly?” Authentic discipleship has its failures as well as its successes. The story of Peter is full of hope, because it shows what Jesus can do with flawed disciples like us. Do you consider yourself to be a disciple of Jesus? Why or why not?   Written by Colin Smith   Read by Sue McLeish   www.openthebible.org.uk

This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine... 2 Thessalonians 3:17These words did not come from Paul, they came to him: “All Scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Tim. 3:16). Peter says, “No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by human will, but people spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:20-21).When you read the Bible, you are reading the Word of God. Picture Paul walking around the room. Words are coming to him as he is “carried along” by the Holy Spirit, and as he speaks, someone is writing the words down. Maybe it was Silas, or Timothy, or someone else.Then Paul says, “Give me the pen.” He goes over to the parchment and writes: “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write.” It’s more than an autograph, which could easily be forged—it’s two sentences.Apostolic letters had authority in the churches. So, it’s not surprising that false teachers who wanted to promote themselves claimed that their letters were apostolic, so churches would read them. There was great potential for confusion—how could you tell an apostolic letter from a fake or a forgery? “This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine.”Do you see how important this was? This letter really is apostolic. God has spoken in the Scriptures, and you can rest your life, your death, and your eternity on what He has said.How might you approach the Bible differently, if you were certain that it was God’s Word?Written by Colin SmithRead by Sue McLeishwww.openthebible.org.uk

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Why doesn’t the apostle end the letter right here? Because we need to ask for peace, but we also need to know how to receive it. The folks in Thessalonica were facing great difficulties and an uncertain future. They had many fears, and they needed to know how to face them. The worst thing you can do with your fears is to try and hide them. Fear is like a coiled spring—the more you press it down, the more it will push back against you. There is only one way to deal with your fears, and that is to bring them out into the open and face them. It doesn’t help to tell yourself: “Don’t worry, it probably won’t happen.” What if it does happen? What if I do have cancer? What if I do lose my job? What if I am left on my own? What then? There will be times when you are awake at night, worrying about these things. Notice what Paul says next: “The Lord be with all of you” (3:16). This has special meaning because Paul could not be with them. He was their father in the faith, but after just three weeks he had been taken from them, and he was not able to return. Think of the circle of people God has placed around you— family, friends, and coworkers. Who is the person you lean on most for help? Maybe you wonder, “What would I do without him or her?” Here is your answer: God is with you! Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Question: How is it possible to have peace “at all times in every way”? Answer: Because Jesus Christ is “the Lord of peace.” Yes, but what does that mean? Christ has peace. That is why He was able to say to His disciples, “My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Jesus Christ has peace in Himself and that is why He is able to give it to you. Christ makes peace. This is why He came into the world. He came to make peace between God and us. That’s why angels said, “peace to men,” when they announced Jesus’ birth. This is why He was born. How has He made this peace? “By the blood of his cross” (Col. 1:20). Christ gives Jesus Christ is the Lord of peace. That means He has command over it. Peace goes where He sends it. And He is able to send it to you. A vivid illustration of this is when Jesus was in a boat with the disciples. A storm blew up—the Sea of Galilee was in turmoil, and Jesus said, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39, KJV). As He spoke, He imparted peace to the lake! Paul said, “This is what I am asking Christ to do for you. May the Lord of peace give you peace.” Jesus is Lord over peace—He commands it, gives it, and sends it. He says to peace, “Go fill the heart of that person in great turmoil.” Notice, this is something Christ does Himself: “May the Lord of peace himself give you peace…” This is a direct ministry of Christ to your soul. Which of these do you find most encouraging? Why? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace… in every way. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 You might find it helpful to think of God’s peace as resting on three pillars—getting right with God, showing gentleness to others, and having peace with yourself. Peace with “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). Christ died for your sins and rose for your justification, and faith makes what Jesus accomplished yours. That’s how you can have peace with God. Do you have peace with God, or are you running from Him today? Are you hiding from God? Are you reluctant to pray? What has you running from God? Do you feel that God is against you, or has it in for you, or is condemning you? Would you like to have peace with God today? Peace with others. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom. 12:18). You can’t control what others do or say in a situation of conflict. God says, “Consider your own part in this… as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Peace with yourself. “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). You can have peace with God and still be in turmoil yourself. Can you say, “Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you” (Psa. 116:7)? What do you know of this peace within your soul? If someone hurts you deeply, it opens wounds that can fester with bitterness, pride, and even hatred. You hear Christ say, “Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you.” Do you need to know more of this peace? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times... 2 Thessalonians 3:16 “At all times” means in all circumstances, and in every season of life. You arrive at secondary school—your body is coming to life and you wonder Who likes me? May God give you His peace. You begin your school exams—you feel pressure, maybe for the first time. And you wonder Who am I? Does anybody care? May God give you His peace. You head off into further education— and you wonder Do I have anything to offer? May God give you His peace. You’re in your twenties—you secretly wonder Can I establish myself? If you’re single—you may wonder, Does God have someone for me? May God give you His peace. Some who are married—wonder if they’ll ever have children. May God give you His peace. You become a young parent—you feel the weight of this tiny life God has entrusted to you. May God give you His peace. A few years later—you wonder How did I end up in this job? May God give you His peace. You hit mid-life—and you have more responsibilities and less motivation. May God give you His peace. Into your later years—you become more concerned about your health. You wonder about what you’ve accomplished, What else might I have done? May God give you His peace. Peace—at all times. Peace—in every season of life— wherever you are, whatever you face. Do you believe the Lord could have peace for you, even in this season of life? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

Do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 One year at Wimbledon, tennis legend Jimmy Connors was playing Mikael Pernfors. Connors lost the first two sets 6 games to 1. And he was losing in the third set 4 games to 1. Connors was nursing a leg injury, yet incredibly, he came back to win the match. Afterwards, an interviewer said to him, “You’re 34 years old, and you’re carrying a leg injury. You are 2 sets down and behind 4 games to 1, and you’ve already won all this stuff. Don’t you ever think to yourself, Is this really worth it? To which Connors said, “It is always worth it!” Never tire of doing what is right. It is always worth it, and supremely for this reason: Jesus said that even a cup of cold water, the smallest act done, given in His name will have its reward. One day you will stand in the presence of Jesus, and on that day, every act that honoured Christ, every decision to do what is right, every sacrifice you have ever made will be of infinite value. You will never regret one good deed that you have done. You will never regret one sacrifice that you have made for Jesus. You will never regret one costly decision to do what is right when you are in the presence of Jesus. So, look at what is ahead of you and press on. Where are you beginning to wonder today: Is this really worth it? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:3 You’re climbing the ladder at work, in marriage, or at church, with all the stimulus of getting to the top, but now you’ve hit a ceiling. And you’re tempted to respond in one of these ways: You give You throw up your hands in frustration, “I’m done… I’m done with this marriage. I’m done with this job. I’m done with this church. I’m done with Christianity.” You abandon hope. Well, I guess this is all my life is ever going to I’ll just have to grin and bear it. The light goes out in your life. You become a joyless person. You find an You turn to artificial stimulants like drinking or drugs, or you turn to an extra-marital affair or to gambling. Real people respond to discouragement in these ways, but you don’t have to. God says, “Do not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thes. 3:13). How? By “consider[ing] him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself…” (Heb. 12:3). Think about the trouble that came to Jesus as He went about doing good. They said He had a demon and hung Him on a cross. Think about Jesus healing ten lepers and only one coming back to thank Him. Think about the disciples’ slow progress: “Do you still not understand?” When you look at your progress in the Christian life, aren’t you amazed that Christ doesn’t throw up His hands and say, “I’m done with him. He isn’t worth it.” Our Saviour never tires of doing us good. Consider all Christ has endured. It will strengthen you and help you press forward. Has trouble come your way for doing something good? How are you tempted to respond? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

Do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 Here are people who are doing what is right. They are on the right track. The problem is that they are getting tired. There are circumstances that can cause us to grow weary in doing good. When doing good brings trouble. You reach out to someone and they cause you trouble in It feels like a slap in the face. You know how discouraging this can be. When doing good brings little thanks. You extend yourself for your children, your company, or your church, and nobody seems to notice. It drains your energy. When doing good brings slow progress. Martyn Lloyd-Jones writes about the battle against weariness in his excellent book Spiritual Depression, “The most difficult period of all in life is the middle period. There are compensations in youth and there are compensations in old age which seem to be entirely lacking in the middle period.” Incentives that motivated us in work and family life can be conspicuously absent in the middle years. The great danger is that we begin to feel sorry for ourselves. When your burden feels heavy, it is helpful to look at the burdens others are carrying: “Resist [Satan], firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Pet. 5:9). The suffering of other Christians can help you resist Satan. Knowing the burden others carry will help you carry your own. A wise pastor once said, “Irrigate your soul in the joys and sorrows of others.” Do you feel yourself growing weary in doing good? What can you do about it? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

You yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because… we worked night and day. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8 The apostle Paul worked incredibly hard. He was a brilliant scholar, but he also had a trade that he earned money from while he was serving the church. Sometimes there was money to support him, and sometimes there was not. When there was no money, Paul made and sold tents, and then he gave himself to ministry. He was bi-vocational, which is why he said that he “worked night and day” (3:8). Paul worked two jobs so as not to be a burden on other believers. “The Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel,” (1 Cor. 9:14). So, as an apostle, Paul had a right to financial support from the church. But look at what he says, “[We worked night and day] not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate” (2 Thes. 3:9). This is important, especially in the workplace. As a Christian employee, your example matters more than your rights. Never ask: “What are my rights?” without also asking: “What is my example?” What is my example to my children? To unbelieving coworkers? To the church? To saints and angels and demons? How does what I am saying and doing look in the eyes of God, who gave His Son to die on the cross for me? Your example matters more than your rights. That doesn’t mean your rights don’t matter. And sometimes you should claim them. When was the last time you asked: “What are my rights?” without also asking: “What is my example?” Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

For you yourselves know… with toil and labour we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8 People often look at pastors and missionaries, like the apostle Paul, and say, “God has given them a special work to do.” That’s true, but God has also given you a special work to do. Whatever you do, your work is a gift and a calling from God. At the beginning of the Bible, God introduces Himself as a worker. What kind of work is He doing? He is creating. And we are made in His image. That means we create too. This could mean building a car, making art, writing a document, or starting a company. You are made in the image of God and the dignity of your work is that, in some way, it reflects the work of God. This is where the carpenters smile, “I’m in the same trade as our Saviour.” If you work in construction or manual labour, you can say, “I do the same work as the Son of God.” What about the rest of us? If you flip burgers, you’re reflecting God’s work in providing food. If you’re raising kids, you’re reflecting the work of God who created order out of chaos. If you’re a CEO, you hold things together and move them forward—this is a reflection of the God who holds all things together. What is your work? How does your work reflect the character of God? There is great dignity and great joy in seeing how your work reflects the character of God. Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 If you knew that Jesus Christ would return in seven days, would you go to work this week? It’s a fascinating question because it gets to the root of what we really think about our daily work. A secular view of work says that it is simply a means of getting money. How much money do I need to make before I’m done with work and off to the beach or the golf course? Work is a means to an end, and that end is money. If this is your view of work, your answer to the question is obvious: “If I knew Jesus was returning in seven days, of course I wouldn’t go to work. I have enough money for the week, so why go to work?” This seems to be what was happening in the city of Thessalonica. Some people were so certain Jesus was about to return that they quit their jobs, “Christ is coming. There’s no reason to work.” The problem was not that these people didn’t have work. They were “not willing to work” (3:10), and they made a virtue out of not working. It isn’t hard to imagine how this could spread: “Do you have the faith to give up your job?” “[Those who refuse to work] we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to… earn their own living” (3:12). If you think work is only a means of making enough money to get yourself on the beach or the golf course, please think again. This is not a Christian view of work. How would you describe your view of work? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 If whenever you think about God, your first instinct is to picture Him with a frown on His face, you need this prayer. Richard Sibbes said, “Present God to yourself as He is presented in the Gospels. The devil will put other colours upon God. He presents Him as a tyrant, as a judge, and as a revenger. Remember, the devil does this because he hates God.” John Owen, in his book, Communion with God, says, “So long as the Father is seen as harsh, judging and condemning, the soul is filled with fear and dread every time it comes to Him… But when God… is seen as a Father, filled with love, the soul is filled with love to God in return.” Owen continues, “All that we learn of God will only frighten us away from Him if we do not see Him as loving and merciful to us. But if your heart is taken up with the Father’s love… it cannot help but choose to be overpowered, conquered and embraced by Him.” Ask the Father to direct your heart into His love. Keep on asking until, like snow that melts in the warmth of the sun, your heart begins to thaw in the warmth of God’s love. Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 The person who prays this prayer is looking for something more than he or she already has: “Lord, direct my heart into your love.” He knows that there is more to God’s love than he has experienced. She is not content to remain at a distance from God. We live in a “been there, done that” culture, and the great danger is that we develop a “been there, done that” form of Christianity: I know God loves me. I know Jesus died on the cross. I know my sins are forgiven. What’s next? Then one day someone asks you, “Do you really believe that God loves you?” And what happens? Your shallowness is exposed. A. W. Tozer writes insightfully in his excellent little book, The Pursuit of God, “We have been snared in the coils of a spurious logic which insists that if we have found [God], we need no more seek him.” Then Tozer adds, “In the midst of this great chill there are some… who will not be content with shallow logic… They want to taste, to touch with their hearts… the wonder that is God… I want deliberately to encourage this mighty longing after God.” Become dissatisfied with your present spiritual experience. Cultivate a holy discontent. Don’t settle for a faith that only engages your mind, or a faith that is only about what you’re doing for God. Don’t settle for a faith in which you cannot feel the love of God and the patience of Christ. Have you been settling for a “been there, done that” kind of Christianity? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish www.openthebible.org.uk

May the Lord direct your hearts. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 It is possible to endure persecution and not feel the love of Christ, or to worship for years in a church and not feel the love of Christ. You do not want this to be your story. People who aren’t Christians endure great pain and carry great sorrows, too. They do it by “gritting their teeth,” or in Britain, “with a stiff upper lip.” But Paul is saying to these believers, “I want something better for you. I want your soul to be filled with the love of God.” Here’s an example of God’s love flooding a person’s soul, so you’ll be encouraged to pray for more of this yourself. This vivid description comes from Blaise Pascal, a Roman Catholic, and a mathematician and scientist. So, don’t dismiss God’s love saying, “Certain more emotional types of people have these experiences.” Pascal had an extraordinary experience of God’s love. He scribbled down what happened to him and sewed the notes into his coat, where they were found after his death. This day of grace 1654, from about half past ten, to about half after midnight. Fire! God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, not of the philosophers and scholars. Security, feeling, joy, peace—God of Jesus Christ… Greatness of the human soul… Joy, joy, joy, tears of joy… Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ—May I never be separated from him. What happened to Pascal? His heart was directed into the love of God and the patience of Christ. Our experiences will differ, but God is able to direct your heart, too. Ask Him. Have you ever dismissed (or are you now dismissing) God’s love? Why? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 2 THESSALONIANS 3:5 The Isthmus of Suez in Egypt is a stretch of land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, and marks where the vast continents of Africa and Asia meet. It is also where the Suez Canal was built, to connect the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. It is a place where worlds connect. This passage brings together two worlds—the love of God and the steadfastness (or patience) of Christ. Paul prays that God will lead Christian believers into the vast depths of these two worlds. Imagine a teacher standing up in front of a classroom of 100 pupils who are preparing for some kind of Christian ministry, and asking a simple question: “Do you believe God loves you?” How many do you think would say, ‘Yes’? This really happened, and only two said ‘Yes!’ The rest gave answers like these: “I know I’m supposed to say yes, but...” or “I know the Bible says God loves me, but I don’t feel it.” What would you have said? Jonathan Edwards helps us get to the heart of the problem, “there is a difference between having a rational judgment that honey is sweet and having a sense of its sweetness.” In other words, it’s possible to know that honey is sweet or that God loves you because someone tells you. But you don’t really know the sweetness of honey or God’s love until you’ve tasted them for yourself. Millions of people in the world today have a faith—they have been brought up to believe Jesus died and rose, and they go to church, but they have no experience of the love of God. We desperately need this prayer. Have you tasted God’s love and patience for yourself? If not, would you personalise and pray the prayer Paul prayed for the Thessalonians right now? “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”   Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 2 THESSALONIANS 3:5 This letter was written to Christians who were experiencing the draining effect of the difficulties of life. You may be thinking, “That’s me! I’m constantly drained by difficulties in my home, tensions at work, endless visits to the doctor, ongoing pain, difficulties in my marriage, a wayward son or daughter.” And so you find yourself saying, “I need love and I need patience!” Notice something wonderful about this verse. Paul is not asking Christians to do something for God. He is asking God to do something for them. He is saying to these Christians, “I see what you are up against, and I am asking God to do something special for you.” The whole point is that our Father in heaven is able to give His children the love and patience they need. If these Christians were brimming full of love and overflowing with patience, there would be no need for this prayer. The whole point of the prayer is that Paul is asking God to give them what they do not have in themselves. Father, give me the love and patience I need. You have love and patience in abundance. I don’t. Give me what I lack. Fill my dried-out heart with your love. Fill this frantic life with the peace and patience of Christ. Amen! Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 Paul moves from teaching to praying. Since all this is true of you—God loves you, chose you, saved you, sanctified you, called you through the gospel, brought you to faith, and destined you to share in Christ’s glory—come before Him with confidence and receive what you need from Him. Pray in the light of this truth. Notice the personal involvement of Jesus: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself… comfort your hearts” (2:16-17). When you pray for comfort and strength remember who you’re asking. Jesus is the one who gives us “eternal comfort and good hope” (2:16). How does He do that? Through the cross and His resurrection. Do you need comfort? Lift up your eyes and look at the cross: The Son of God hung there. The voices of hell mocked Him. People laughed at Him. He is the man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. He knows what it is to suffer. He knows what it is to face these dark powers. Think what comfort you could find in Him. Do you need strength? Lift up your eyes and look at the empty tomb. Jesus Christ has endured. He has conquered. He is risen. Think what strength you could find in Him. May this Christ, who knows what it is to suffer, comfort your heart. May this Christ, who triumphed over the grave, strengthen you in every good work and word. Do you need comfort today? Do you need strength? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 If the message of Christianity was—Satan is raging, the world is getting worse, godless people are deceived, the antichrist is coming, and in the end it is up to us to stand firm—then we would all feel completely hopeless. Maybe that is how you feel today. When you look at what you are up against, you feel completely helpless. You are surrounded by darkness and the battle is intense. You feel overwhelmed. If that’s how you feel today, you need to drink in the truth of who you are in Christ. Nourish your soul here. Find strength for the battle in this reality. Don’t pass by this quickly or you will miss the oasis, the refreshment that God has for you. Take this in, Christian… You are loved by the Lord. God chose you from the beginning. You are saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through believing the truth. God has called you through the gospel, and your future is to share the everlasting glory of Christ. These are life-giving truths. Don’t skim over them. This is who you are in Christ. You may not feel like it today, but this is what God says about you, and about every Christian believer. This is your identity in Christ, so meditate on these things. When you’ve preached this truth to yourself over and over, and these things begin to sink in, then you’re ready to hear God’s word of encouragement to you today, “So, then, brother or sister, in light of these things, stand firm!” Have you been skimming over these truths? Do you need to take some time right now to drink in the truth of who you are in Christ? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first-fruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 THESSALONIANS 2:13-14 The whole magnificent range of God’s redeeming purpose is here in these two verses. How does it all fit together? The Bible’s overarching word salvation is like a treasure chest in which we find the priceless jewels of justification, sanctification, reconciliation, adoption, forgiveness, and glorification. How are we saved? Salvation comes through the gospel message (2:14). We are also saved by God’s call, when a person hears the good news of Jesus, crucified and risen for us. What lies behind the gospel? First, God’s love. Why did Jesus come into the world and die on the cross? There’s only one explanation: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). Second, God’s choice. God set His love on you from the beginning. What is the fruit that comes from proclaiming the gospel? The Spirit of God sanctifies. When you heard God’s Word, you were set apart by God. Sinners respond in faith. This miracle has happened in your life if you believe in Jesus Christ today. How is it that you stand here today as someone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ? Your faith in Christ is the visible fruit of an amazing work of God that began in eternity, was secured at the cross, and is being put into effect by the Holy Spirit at this very moment. What here seems clearest to you today? What is less clear? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish

So that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:14 What is the ultimate outcome of God’s redeeming purpose? What is the great aim and the ultimate goal of the Christian life? It is the glory of Jesus Christ. What does that mean? 1. You will see Christ’s glory. This will happen on the day Jesus Christ is revealed. None of us has ever seen Christ. We believe in Him, but we’re walking by faith. It will not always be so. One day we will see Him, and on that day faith will be turned to sight, and all will see Jesus Christ face-to-face. 2. You will share Christ’s glory. Christ’s glory will not just be something that we see, something that remains external to us; it will be in us. Paul says that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18, NIV). When we see Him, we will be like Him (1 John 3:2). 3. You will be glorified in Christ forever. You will have a body like Christ’s—no pain, no sickness, no weariness—all gone. Your body will be suited to eternal life. You will have a soul like Christ’s. You will love what Christ loves, as Christ loves. You will be free from every inclination to sin and you will share in Christ’s joy. If you are a believer in Christ, this is your marvellous future. Whatever you face right now, however difficult it is, lift up your mind and see what is yours in Jesus Christ. This will help you stay the course when you’re tired of the battle. What would keep you from making this the aim of your life? Written by Colin Smith Read by Sue McLeish