But as for you,
Be strong and courageous,
For your work will be rewarded!
2 Chronicles 15:7 NLT
The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around himself (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread (John 21:7-9).
It is the Lord! He is the Gate for the righteous to enter. We will go in and give thanks to Him. This Gate leads to the presence of the Father, and the godly enter there. Lord, we will thank You for answering our prayer and giving us victory (Psalm 118:19-21 NLT).
It is the Word of Truth! He gives us such Good News, the Lord strengthens those who have tired hands, and encourages those who have weak knees. He says to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you,” Isaiah 35:3-4.
It is the mighty Word of Power that sustains and upholds and guides and propels the universe. The Lord is the sole expression of the glory of God – the Light-Being radiance of the divine – and He is the perfect imprint and image of God’s nature. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt and shame and remorse, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3 AMP).
It is the Word of our God that stands forever! Shout, and do not be afraid! Our God is coming! Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, He brings His reward with Him as He comes. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young (Isaiah 40:8-11 NLT).
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by My Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this Rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it,” Matthew 16: 13-18.
There was another time when Peter jumped from a boat. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them walking on the lake. When the disciples saw Him walking on the water, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Peter said, “Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come to You on the water.” Jesus said, “Come!” Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, and cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught Peter. “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they climbed into the boat the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him saying, “Truly You are the Son of God,” Matthew 14: 25-33.
The Lord always invites us to step out of our comfort zone and come! “Come now, let us reason together. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land. However, if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword (Isaiah 1:18-20).
Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth (Revelation 2:16).
“Come! Here am I, here am I. All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations – a people who continually provoke Me to My very face. So, I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me. I was found by those who did not seek Me,” Isaiah 65:1-3.
“And those who come will behold the new heavens and new earth I will create. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. Gladness and rejoicing will be forever within what I create. For I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in My people. The sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more,” Isaiah 65:17-19.
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let them who hear say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let them come. And whoever wishes, let them take the free gift of the Water of Life (Revelation 22:17).
Come! Let the Lord seal you upon His heart, like a seal upon His arm, for Love is as strong as Death, jealousy as hard and cruel as Sheol, the place of the dead. The flashes of Love are flashes of fire, a most vehement flame, the very flame of the Lord!
Many waters cannot quench Love, neither can floods drown it. If someone would offer all the goods of their house for Love, they would be utterly scorned and despised (Song 8:6-7 AMP).
David knew what it felt like to be scorned and despised, for when he returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the King of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”
David’s responded, “I was dancing before the Lord, Who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! (2 Samuel 6:20-22).
Am I now trying to win the approval of people, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10).
Let God’s people praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted! His splendor is above the earth and the heavens. God has raised up for His people a strong King, the praise of all His saints and of Israel, the people close to His heart. Yes, praise the Lord (Psalm 148:13-14).
“If you want to be My disciples
Come! Follow Me!
For My servants must be where I am.
And if they follow Me,
The Father will honor them!
John 12:26 TLB