2 Samuel 19:11-20:13 / John 21 / Psalm 120 / Proverbs 16:16-17
I’ve often spoken of different personality types and the things I admire about each one. I love the quiet observer who will suddenly speak and the whole room is quiet because of the profound wisdom just offered. I also appreciate the people lover who flits around the room making everyone feel special. There is one personality type, however, that not everyone appreciates and that is the bold, clear-spoken one.
My daughter Katherine is this personality – confident, bold, free to share her convictions. But let me tell you – when she was little she gave her daddy and me a run for our money! She was always getting into something – either climbing a tree or tearing a beetle apart with her fingers to see what was inside. Now, when I see a parent with a child like this, I encourage them on what an amazing human they are and will be. I know, because Katherine has matured into an amazing woman of God!
And in many ways Katherine reminds me of Simon Peter as described in the Gospels. As I read John 21, I could once again see the scene in my head. There is Peter out in the boat fishing with all his might, oblivious to the fact that Jesus has arrived on shore. But once he’s made aware that Jesus is present, he puts on his tunic and impulsively jumps into the water to swim to shore.
He didn’t fret over getting his clothes wet or worry that he might get tired swimming that far. I think he was simply so excited to get to Jesus that without another thought, he jumped right in! And I just love that personality trait – fearless and confident in what they want.
Simon knew Jesus would receive Him, even though they had not yet had the conversation of Simon’s three-time denial. Simon was confident in who he had learned Jesus to be and knew He was loved and welcomed. And Jesus didn’t let the opportunity hang unresolved. Jesus addressed the triple denial by asking Simon the same question three times.
“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Simon son of Joh, do you love me?” And finally, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
I don’t know at what point Simon realized what Jesus was doing, because the questions hurt him to be asked repeatedly. However, Simon affirmed his love for Jesus by saying, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love You.”
I will also say to Jesus, “Lord, you know everything, and You know I love You.”
I tend to also be a passionate, outspoken, but extremely loving person. I will love the warts off you if you’ll let me LOL! I think I’m this way because I realize life is short and we’re put here to make a difference, both in our family line and in the lives of those around us. Maybe I’ll get that 120 years I long to have – the same 120 years my daddy wanted.
No matter how many years I have left (and one does begin to think about these things at 58), I want every second of my life to matter for God’s Kingdom. I want to soak in Jesus and pour Him out on others. I can think of no better way to spend my life.
What about you? What is your personality type? I’d love to hear!
