Persecution of Christians under the emperor Nero.
There is a story in history that goes like this. Peter fled from Rome ,fleeing arrest and fearing that he would be crucified. As he was traveling, he meets the Risen Christ in a vision who was heading towards the city of Rome. Bewildered, Peter asks ‘ Lord, where are you going?’. Jesus answers ” I am going BACK to Rome to be CRUCIFIED AGAIN “and disappears. This answer makes Peter come back to Rome to embrace martyrdom.
Peter’s decision to leave Rome was not motivated solely by fear,
he earnestly believed that he needed ” to proclaim the gospel ” elsewhere. He was thinking he was doing what was best for him and for the early church. He did not realise his Calling /Will of God was to die as a martyr—to give his life as a witness for Christ. After his encounter with Christ, Peter realised one thing ‘ If Christ WILLED it ,it was Worthwhile and Holy.
We all have quite a bit of Peter in us. Often like Peter, we feel confident about our own ability and decision. We often take decisions based on what ‘We think’ is best for ourselves .
‘ There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death ‘ (Pro.16:25)
– meaning a spiritual death because ” Only he who does the will of the Father will enter into the kingdom of heaven .( Mat. 7:21).
Even a well- meaning choice can lead us from the ‘path, the plan and will ‘ of God .We see many pastors,evangelists, priests and Bishops doing the ‘ministry ‘ as they call it. No doubt they ” proclaim the gospel”. Are they proclaiming it according to the “will and plan ” of the Lord?! The way Lord wants them to do, the place where the Lord wants them to be ? Or doing just what “they want” to do, or on the ‘platform’ prepared already? Easy and cosy ?
Like Peter, we all think what we do is ‘ the best’. Are we going to crucify Jesus again by our lack of discernment –going/ doing against His Will , running away from Our Calling?
Let each one of us realise our mistake and pray.
Prayer
Our gracious heavenly father”Lord, Let your WILL be done in my life as it is ( written) in heaven”.Amen