THE RESUME

No matter how much I have tried in the past not to waiver, there were many times I have allowed crisis of faith, unbelief and fear to slip in.

My resume is nothing to ever brag about…but yet…

Hashem has brought me through some incredible trials…In prison…beaten…flogged…even shot…and stabbed.

Watching helplessly as dear friends die from extreme torture and daily beatings…then finally I was thrown from a roof and left for dead.

BUT YET HE SAVED ME.

Left for Dead in a wasteland of Angola, a poor farmer dragged me to their home and nursed me back to life.

To this day I am still shocked that I am here able to write this letter to all of you my loved ones ❤.

As I came out of my prayer time today, I am encouraged by what Hashem has put on my heart.

THE RESUME

“The third time he said to him, ‘ Shim’on Bar- Yochanan, do you love me my friend? ‘ Shim’on was hurt that he questioned him a third time: Are you, my friend?” So, he replied, ‘ Lord you know everything! You know I’m your friend! “

Yochanan/ John 21: 17 Complete Jewish Bible ✡

Before we begin, you’ll notice a big difference between your English translation and the Jewish.

This is more accurate translation coming from the original Greek.

You will understand in the next few paragraphs.

On the night of Yeshua’s arrest, Kefa/ Peter vowed his loyalty, telling Yeshua he would lay down his life for him. Yeshua then answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me?  I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times! ” Yochanan/ John 13:38.

There is no doubt Kefa was sincere, but what was genuine and admirable in his spirit could not translate into action. 

Three times that night Kefa/ Peter denied even knowing Yeshua.

Having been one of Yeshua’s most enthusiastic supporters, (being the only one who got out of the boat and walked on the water), it would have been a heart-wrenching moment for Kefa when he heard that rooster.

All four Gospels record this event, and with the exception of Yochanan/ John, tell how Kefa/ Peter broke down and wept.

Many of us have shed bitter tears over failed attempts to please Adonai, and are then resigned to the fact we will never be of any use to Him.

Even after seeing the risen Messiah, Kefa probably felt that way because he went back to his old life of fishing.

Scripture tells us early one morning, while Kefa was fishing with a few other talmidian, they saw a stranger on the shore, and when Kefa recognized Him as Messiah, without hesitation, he once again jumped out of the boat and this time ran towards Him.

On this occasion, Yeshua took Kefa aside and asked him what must have been a painful question.

” Shim’on, Bar- Yochanan, do you truly love me more than these?”

In all probability, ‘more than these ‘ refers to fish and equipment lying nearby.  ” Yes Lord, you know I’m your friend. ” Yeshua said; “Shepherd my sleep “. Yochanan 21 15-16

Now the reason proper translation is important.

The word ‘ love ‘ Yeshua uses in the original Greek is, ‘ Agape ‘.

Agape speaks of the highest level of love there is, ‘ the Love of God ‘, which is freely given and not upon being reciprocated at the same level.

Kefa, accurately aware of his failures, answers Yeshua with a lower level of love.

He uses the Greek word, ‘ philio ‘, which is to have warm affection and friendship.

Three times Yeshua asked Kefa this question, but then uses the word ‘ phileo ‘ as Kefa did. And each time, Yeshua commissioned him, ” Shepherd My sheep. “

It is NOT our weakness or failures that disqualify us from being in the service of Hashem YHVH!!

In fact, it is the complete opposite, they are what qualify us!

Kefa did not equal his love by using the term ” agape “…but in what had to have been painfully reminiscent of three denials, he responds with honesty and humility.

This is the purpose of testing and trial, molding, teaching, humbling and making us aware we can do nothing of ourselves…

But through Him all things are possible!!

It is NOT until we come to the end of ourselves…and allow the life and light of Yeshua Hamashiach…to be lived in us…THAT WE HAVE THE RESUME HASHEM IS LOOKING FOR!

No matter how much we fail…He never Fails.  Never stop jumping out of the boat.

BARUCH HASHEM!

Our Prayer

Heavenly Father, keep me from trying to serve You in my own strength.

Give me a humbled heart in which I may serve you well.

Thank You Adonai Amein…

Baruch Hashem