Let the Thunder Roll

Jesus appointed twelve disciples. (Mark 3:14) Among them were John and James whom He called "Boanerges"... Or "Sons of Thunder." Jesus also gave a new name to His friend Simon. He's now known as Peter...  "The Rock."

These sound like the stage names of professional wrestlers! These names convey power, significance, influence, and possibly intimidation. Definitely not meek and mild, but not tongue-in-cheek either.

Jesus didn't hold back from calling forth greatness... even when (in Peter's life) there was plenty of evidence to make a case for Peter's un-rocklikeness.

Jesus didn't bother addressing where they were in their growth at that point... He identifies them by what He created them to be and where He was taking them. Even before Peter betrayed Jesus and while he was busy denying that he ever would... Jesus is already calmly giving Peter instructions on what to do after he's completed the denying... of which Peter was still denying that he would ever do!!! (Luke 22:32)

We are easily tempted to defend our own credibility in finding fault in situations, people, groups, or anything. But the world-changing position is to call out the value. What in a situation points at beauty? What quality does this person carry that reminds you of Jesus? Even if the image of Christ is pretty blurry.

Peter, The Rock, was trying to assert his stalwart support for His friend and Rabbi, Jesus. Jesus didn't ignore that Peter wasn't there yet. It was with compassion that He warned Peter about his coming failure. However, Jesus focused on where Peter was going, not his failure. It turns out that under Jesus' leadership and the ongoing move of the Holy Spirit within him, Peter did end up being The Rock after all. Now, every Christ follower in history has benefited from Peter's leadership.

Looking for value in an imperfect situation (or person) is not an invitation to compromise on truth, or failure to seek growth. Instead, it will bring exactly the opposite by focusing on what is desirable instead of gazing at all that needs to be left behind. We focus on truth and cultivate growth... then point it out, and celebrate it! In the right way and the right time, error will be corrected, maturity will displace immaturity, wisdom will overcome foolishness.

In the mean time, don't bother trying to please the people that are greatly skilled in finding fault. If you do, you may find yourself partnering to dismantle the very thing that God is doing... simply because it's new, immature, and incomplete. It's easy to identify what's wrong with something or someone. Anyone can do that. Excel at looking for and finding the precious treasures hidden in the gravel... and then calling out what God shows you.

Not one should be lost...