However, we took an in depth look at the addressing of Simon in this passage.  The reason being is that prior to this meeting these brothers had an encounter with Jesus about a year ago (John 1:40-42).  And it was in that encounter with the Messiah that Simon's name was changed to Peter (the Rock).  In that name change came a change of identity and he was born again into a new life with Christ.  It is the same when Jesus calls us by a new name when we give our lives to Him.  2 Corinthians 5:17 states "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has passed away; behold, the new has come".  We too have become new creations and a new name has been given to us.  And in that we experience the joy, peace, comfort and love that comes when we walk with Christ.  But there are times when we transfer back into that "old life" and go back to living a worldly life.  That is what has happened when Jesus calls to "Simon" instead of "Peter".

One reason for this is that the old life still has an appeal to us.  We find worth, comfort, value when it comes to that old life.  However, we know that FRUIT doesn't come when we abide in ourselves. The only life that has value and worth is found in Jesus Christ.  The only life that bears FRUIT is one that is abiding steadfastly in Him (John 15:5).  Another reason (and I think this is the primary one) is that we just DON'T UNDERSTAND the relationship that we are in with Jesus Christ.  We trivialize and underestimate it by relating it to our relationships that we have here on earth with others.  And those relationships are PERFORMANCE based relationships.  Meaning, that you need to do something for that person in order to get something back from them.  Or we need to be someone else, do something else, need to be who they want us to be in order to get that affection back from them.  With Christ, it is NOTHING like that.  Our relationship is not based on the things we can do for Him, it is based solely and completely on HIS LOVE FOR US. That is what really matters.  If it didn't hinge on that, we would have no hope in eternal life.  No hope in ever coming into communion with the Father.  No hope in ever being cleansed and purified of our sins.  Because of His love for us, we can have that relationship.  It is not because we are "perfect" (because we are not).  It is not because we are "holy" or do the "right" thing, there is nothing that we can do to obtain that salvation He gives.  

Yet we still go turn our backs on Him.  Turn our backs on His love, His devotion, His pursuit of us.  When are we going to realize that our relationship is not based on performance?  When are we going to realize that our old life is full of emptiness?  When are we going to realize that our life in Christ is the only life fully satisfying, only life that is real, and the only life that will bring joy, peace, and love?  I challenge all of you out there, make a commitment to not return to that old life.  That old empty, shameful life that breeds nothing.  And turn to Him who waits and pursues you with great love.

The bottom line is this: we need to live lives that are holy and pleasing to God, but in those times where there is a slip or stumble in life, don't keep going, but turn to Jesus.  He will be there waiting on the "shores" of your heart, beckoning to you.  Jesus will meet you where you at in life.  He steps down from His throne to meet us.  A quote I once heard from the world famous Joe Priola goes like this, "Jesus doesn't say, 'make something of yourself and then follow me, He says, 'follow Me and I will make something of you.'"  And that is such a comfort.  Let us not be a people trying to perform for God, trying to live up to His standards, but let us be a people who accept His grace and love.  And live in that new life that He has given abundantly!  Praise be to God!

If you have a comment, please post one.  I appreciate your feedback.  How did the message strike you?  What are your thoughts?  What is God doing in your life?  Any Praise Reports?