We read in Hebrews 13:6, Let us be bold, then, and say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" (GNB)
The above mentioned verse can be divided into three parts:
• Firstly, the Lord is our helper
• Secondly, we need not be afraid
• Thirdly, man can do nothing against us
This is something each one of us should declare boldly, and that is the fact that the Lord is our helper, and there is therefore nothing that we should be afraid of. God is our helper also implies that no one can come against us, and overcome us. Oftentimes, we find ourselves in situations where nobody can extend any sort of help to us. It is in those times that we should say with confidence that God is our helper, for we can be certain that the Lord will assist us without fail.
There are many calamities that we encounter in our lives, but in this message I want to share the complication that arises in relationships and how we should strive to set them right. Let us study further to see how the Lord can be our helper, to enable us to set right all of our relationships.
Jesus had twelve disciples, and one of them was Peter. Though Peter was impetuous he had a truly special relationship with Jesus. In every important event that transpired while Jesus was here on earth, Peter was always there, and it was Peter who was really quick to answer, often without thinking too.
They say people can be classified into four types, based on the way they speak. The first, think before speaking. The second, think while they speak. The third, think after they speak. The fourth, don’t think even after they speak. Peter belonged to the third type.
Peter was overconfident
We read in Matthew 26:31, Then Jesus said to them, "This very night all of you will run away and leave me, for the scripture says, 'God will kill the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' (GNB)
In the above mentioned verse, Jesus was preparing His disciples for what lay ahead of them that night, as He was being led to the cross to be crucified. As all other disciples tried to comprehend what Jesus was trying to say to them, this was Peter’s immediate response.
This is recorded in Matthew 26:33, Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, "I will never leave you, even though all the rest do!" (GNB)
Peter’s instant response to Jesus was that he would never desert Jesus, though everyone else did. Peter was impudent, and believed that nothing or no one could separate him from Jesus.
Many of us have had this experiences where we had those close people who assured us that they would stand by us no matter what, but sadly left us when we least expected. Usually one of the reasons for these kind of rifts in relationships is the overconfidence one has on the other. There are many who actually are overconfident that nothing will affect their relationships in their family, at work, or even in the church. When a person is presumptuous, they will ignore the little rifts in relationships, which will eventually become a major problem. It is important to be alert in all relationships, and to take corrective steps whenever necessary, to set things right.
Peter was not watchful
Let us look at another factor that could also cause break in relationships.
It is recorded in Matthew 26:40, Then he returned to the three disciples and found them asleep; and he said to Peter, "How is it that you three were not able to keep watch with me for even one hour? (GNB)
As Jesus prayed earnestly to the Father knowing that the hour had come for Him to be handed over to be crucified, He also asked His disciples to watch and pray along with Him. When Jesus returned from prayer, he found all of them asleep. Jesus specifically admonished Peter to watch and pray, knowing that there was a test that lay ahead for Peter.
The second important point we must consider to keep our relationships strong is that we should be watchful. As families we must be aware of the mental and emotional state of each family member. The husband must pay attention to his wife’s needs, and vice versa. So also parents should be aware of the situations that the children are facing. If we don’t place close attention, we will surely miss out on these vital signs. In order for this to happen it is essential that we invest our time in building relationships. Generally, families get together during dinner time to share with each other all that happened during that day. Sadly, this fellowship time has been replaced by cell phones. In many homes each one is engaged with their own cell phones, with not much thought even about the food that is placed before them, and thereby having no time for any sort of meaningful conversations. It is vital for us to spend time together as a family, and if we do not treat this seriously, we will soon be challenged with many issues. If a husband or wife observes that there is some sort of distancing in their relationship, they must do all they can to restore it at the earliest.
One of the reasons why children are going astray in many families is because parents do not have time to listen to their children. The children need an opportunity to open up to their parents, and to share what is going on in their lives. If we get too busy with our work, and have no time for our relationship with the family, someday there will arise a problem that will be too huge to handle. As members in a family we must be open with each other, share our pains and struggles, so that we can truly understand each other. Let us take time to analyze ourselves to see if we have a good relationship with our spouse and our children. It would be a huge loss to us if we accomplished much outside, but missed out on our relationship with our own family members. When we ask God He will help us set our relationships in order. When the family is doing well, and there is a healthy relationship between a husband and wife, the future of our children will be good, as they too will be able to establish healthy relationships, when they have their own families.
Peter ignored Jesus’ warnings
Though Jesus has forewarned Peter he did not heed those warnings.
We read in Luke 22:55-57, A fire had been lit in the center of the courtyard, and Peter joined those who were sitting around it. When one of the servant women saw him sitting there at the fire, she looked straight at him and said, "This man too was with Jesus!" But Peter denied it, "Woman, I don't even know him!" (GNB)
It was this same Peter who made the great confession that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. On the mount of transfiguration, Peter declared that it would be good to set up a tent for Jesus, Moses and Elijah on that mount. Peter was also the one who courageously bid Jesus to enable him to walk on the water, just as Jesus walked. After all these wonderful experiences, Peter was now in a place of fear, and denied to a servant woman that he did not know who Jesus was.
Have you noticed how when the love between spouses diminish over the years, they will refer to each other in disrespectful ways. It is important that we should set things right in our relationships especially as husband and wife. There are many good friendships that we develop over the years, and it is vital that every relationship be dealt with care, failing which they too will become susceptible to breaches. However, it is crucial that we should have amicable relationships with one another first within the family, failing which everything else will become immaterial. For some friendships supersede their relationship with their own family, and sadly, these will come to realize at some point that in times of crisis, it is their family who will support them, and stand by them.
Peter was stricken with remorse
After Peter had denied thrice that he did not know Jesus, he was so filled with remorse and regret that this is what he did.
We read in Luke 22:62, “Peter went out and wept bitterly.” (GNB)
Peter remembered the words of Jesus to him, and was a completely broken man.
There are many who are crying over their past, and have no clue as to how they can set things right. Often when there is rift in relationship, people are waiting for the other person to take the first step. In so many families when there is a conflict between husband and wife, either it will be the husband in some cases, or the wife in some other families who will always have to apologize, to set the relationship right, even when the other person is in the wrong. The one who has an inflated ego will always remain unyielding. As human beings all of us make mistakes by the things we do, or the words we speak, and it is necessary that we realize our mistakes immediately. We may have hurts, but instead of pining over them, it would be far better to be humble enough to set things right immediately. Some people have the habit of sharing their woes with outsiders instead of looking for ways to get thing reconciled with their spouse, which makes their problems more complicated.
Jesus had special concern for Peter
When Jesus rose from the grave on the third day, there were certain women who went early that morning to perform some rituals. They see that the stone is rolled away from the tomb, and as they stood in amazement, an angel of the Lord appeared to them and said these words.
This is recorded in Mark 16:6-7, "Don't be alarmed," he said. "I know you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is not here—he has been raised! Look, here is the place where he was placed. Now go and give this message to his disciples, including Peter: 'He is going to Galilee ahead of you; there you will see him, just as he told you.' "(GNB)
Observe the words of the angel to the women, wherein there is a special message that the Lord conveyed specifically to Peter. The Lord looked at Peter who had denied him with genuine love, and He took the first step to reconcile Peter back to Himself.
If we delay the process of peace-making or reconciliation, we will eventually land up with a break in relationships. Often it is the insignificant problems, when not dealt with that become huge barriers in relationships. There is a mistake that many couples make when there is conflict. Instead of dealing with the issue at hand, they will recount all that happened from the day they got married, thereby making the disagreement far greater than it should be. The word of God says that the ones who make peace are blessed, and shall be called the children of God. Whenever, there is a conflict, we must learn to deal with the issue at hand, and work towards peace and reconciliation. Let us ask God to keep us humble so that we will take the first step, and do all we can to set relationships in order.
For those of us who are in the 21st century we will be familiar with this strange way in which many deal with someone with whom they have an issue. The minute they have a disagreement with someone they block them, so that they cannot get in touch with them. By doing so, we hinder people from sorting things out, and having a chance to get reconciled with us.
As you are reading this message you may be reminded of someone with whom you have a strained relationship. It would be good if you can call them, or visit them to get reconciled with them. There are many who assume that they could be at enmity with people here, and somehow get to heaven. Let’s be reminded that if we claim to be ones who love God, and want to be in heaven, then we must forgive those who have offended us. Remember there is no place for anger, hatred, quarrels or tears in heaven, and we cannot get there with enmity in our hearts.
Husbands should love their wives the way commanded them to, and it is the duty of the wives to respect their husbands. So also, children should learn to honor their parents. If we don’t obey God in these matters, and think that we will somehow make it to heaven, it will be an impossibility. I believe that the Lord is allowing this season of pandemic for a purpose, and that it will soon come to an end. The word of God declares that we are in the last days, and it is time for us to set aside all of our differences, and to live in harmony with one another.
Jesus restored Peter back to Himself
When we read John chapter 21, Peter who had left his fishing profession to follow after Jesus returned back to his fishing. After the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, Peter was despondent, and thought everything was over. Peter found himself in a similar place that he was in on that first encounter with Jesus on the shores of Galilee.
Jesus the helper, met with Peter again on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus asked the disciples who were at sea if they had caught any fish, and when they told him they had caught none, He asked them to throw the net to the right side of the boat, and when they did so, their nets were filled with fish. I believe that the reason why Jesus did this miracle all over again was to remind Peter about the first encounter that he had with Jesus.
In that first encounter, Jesus was teaching on the shores of Galilee. Peter and the other fishermen were washing their nets, and had not caught anything after toiling the whole night. Jesus used Peter’s boat to sit down, and teach the crowds and at the end of it Jesus asked Peter to go a little further into the deep, to cast down his nets. Peter though hesitant at first, obeyed and cast his net into the deep just as Jesus asked him to. What happened that day was that their nets were so filled with fish that they almost broke, and Peter had to beckon his partners to come and share the bountiful catch. From that day on for three and a half years Peter’s life was turned upside down as he walked on this amazing journey with Jesus. Each day unfolded with the profound teachings of Jesus, unbelievable miracles and experiences, along with this close relationship with the Lord Jesus. However, a bad experience of one day made everything turn topsy-turvy in the life of Peter.
Jesus had to remind Peter of all that had transpired in those three and half years when Jesus was here on earth. Jesus wanted to reconcile Peter back to Himself, and re-instate him back to the place and purpose for which Jesus called him. We read about this amazing reconcilement between Jesus and Peter as recorded in the last part of John 21. Jesus helps Peter realize that He had called him to be the one who will feed his lambs. Peter left behind his fishing to become a great witness, and the leader of the early church.
Even today like Peter, many have given up on their God-ordained relationships, and are peddling elsewhere trying to find a solution, all of which proves futile. No matter how broken our state is or our relationship are, when God is with us, we can fix it all. Sometimes people are fearful to approach the person who has a difference with them, apprehensive that they may not be ready for reconciliation. When the Lord is our helper, we really need not fear for the Lord will help us, and no man can do anything against us. As much as possible let us try to live at peace with everyone. This does not mean making peace in those unhealthy relationships that God took us out of, but to restore those healthy relationships that God approves of.
There are many like Peter who have had this wonderful relationship with the Lord, and have enjoyed the numerous blessings of God in their lives. Nonetheless, when there one thing turns bad they walk away from God. Man’s nature is such that we tend to forget all the good we receive, and are quick to mourn over the few things that go amiss.
Sometimes children have some expectations from their parents, and there are occasions when parents are unable to fulfill them. Oftentimes when this happens, children get annoyed with their parents, and threaten to walk out on them, or say things that are hurtful to them. They so frequently forget all the sacrifices that their parents made to raise them up, and all of the love and care they showered on them whenever they were ill or down. After the parents have done so much to bring up their children, and placed them in a good position, it would be extremely hurtful to the parents, if over one small issue the children turn against them.
We can therefore say as found in Hebrews 13:6, Let us be bold, then, and say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" (GNB)
If we read the previous verse this is what is says in Hebrews 13:5, Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you." (GNB)
The Lord has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Therefore with the Lord as our helper we need not fear, for the Lord will help us to stay strong in all our relationships. There are only two things that can draw us away from the presence of the Lord; one is the love for money and second is discontent. Notice how money can be the cause for the breaking down of many relationships. Money is essential to live in this world, but the love of money is also the root of all evil. If the love of money captivates our hearts, there is no way we can truly love God. The one who loves money will only serve money, and can never serve God. Secondly, the sense of discontentment, will definitely cause issues in relationships. A husband must thank God for his wife, and so also a wife must be grateful to God for her husband. Parents must rejoice over their children, and children must be thankful for the parents God has given them. If such a sense of satisfaction is there, we are assured that God will never leave us nor forsake us. Only then can we boldly say that the Lord is our helper that we will not be afraid, and that there is nothing that man can do against us. Let us prayerfully treasure all those beautiful relationships that God has entrusted to us, and may we never miss out on them, because of our trivial differences.
Rev. F. Andrew Dixon
www.goodnewsfriends.net
Transcribed by: Sis. Esther Collins
