He uses fiery trials to enlist us.
Prior to this instance, in the previous chapter (John 20:22), Jesus showed Himself to Peter and others and breathed on them that they might receive the Holy Ghost. This was the indwelling. It would be followed by the infilling. Once He is in, if we will remain empty of self, we can be filled with Him.
Peter, having just been emptied through his trial “by a fire,” was about to be enlisted through his trial “by a fire.” It would develop Him to be full of the presence of God. As he sat by a fire of coals with fish laid thereupon, we see Jesus challenging Peter as He says, “feed my sheep (lambs).” What made this man full of denial so valuable to the soon to be departing Lord Jesus? He was emptied, filled, and useful for strengthening the brethren who needed conversion back to the Truth.
So, Peter begins his ministry, having been emptied and enlisted. But, he would soon find another trial by a fire, and this trial would empower him.
He uses fiery trials to empower us.
This third trial by a fire came when Peter was huddled with the other disciples in the upper room. When, suddenly, a might rushing wind came upon them. With this wind came cloven tongues of what? You guessed it . . . fire! This fire would empower Him. It was not the Holy Ghost in Him. For, that had happened in John 20. It was the Holy Ghost coming UPON Him. It was a result of a man being emptied of self, filled with the Spirit, enlisted by Christ, and then empowered by that Spirit as the filling poured out. He was filled UP until it flowed ON. That’s what the word UPON means–up, and then on! The Spirit was IN, then UP, and then ON! But, it took a few fiery trials.
Because Peter was emptied, he could be filled. Because he could be filled, he was indwelt. Because he was indwelt, he could be enlisted. Because he embraced his enlistment, he WAS filled. Because he was filled, he could be empowered. Because he WAS empowered, nearly ten thousand people were saved within a few days.
I guess the devil should have thought twice, before he sought permission to sift ole’ Peter, huh? And my friend, likewise with you and I need to think twice. It is a privilege to be worthy, like Jesus, who was led of the Spirit. To be “considered” worthy, like Job, whom God Himself suggested to Satan. To be “requested” like Peter, who Satan personally requested. To be “counted” worthy, like Paul, whom Satan delegated to a personal messenger.
Remember these passage paraphrases? Jesus telling us to feel “blessed when we are reviled, persecuted, and heavily criticized.” Paul telling us that he would “MOST GLADY glory in his infirmities.” Peter telling us to “rejoice as partakers in Christ’s sufferings during the fiery trials which try you.” Peter actually said to not even think it strange to enjoy your suffering?
Rejoice in fiery trials?! Most gladly glory in my weaknesses?! Be blessed while persecuted?! How can I do this? Accept my temptations as examinations. When I pass them, I am to rejoice and be blessed. When I fail them, I should make adjustments in my weakened walk that was revealed to me during His private examination, and then and only then, can I be emptied for His filling, enlisted to be full, and empowered till overflowing.
The disappearing of self automatically initiates the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ and OUR praise (commendation), honor (promotion), and glory (observation). Want to be noticed a little more for your hard work? Want to be commended for your efforts? Want to be promoted for your sacrifices? Change your focus of a temptation to an examination and let Him do something about your failing grades.
In this issue, we discussed our multiplication of temptation (the cause). In the next issue, I hope to discuss the maturation of temptation (the effect), and then the meditation of temptation (cure).
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