Spirit Corner – Pastor Pushie
Pastor Pushie shares about dealing with death, disappointment and discouragement
The Israelites had waited long for a king – a future agent of God who would save them. Every king of Israel and Judah was known as the “anointed one”, which in Hebrew is “Messiah”. The “Messiah” was the expected king and deliverer of the Jews. There was an anticipation that someone would come along and save the Israelites from all their troubles.
Jesus was announced from birth as the King of the Jews. The disciples left everything to follow Jesus. They walked away from their homes, businesses, families and lifestyles to follow the call. Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogues, proclaiming the good news, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. He performed many miracles that the disciples were privy to. He healed blind eyes and cured the sick. He raised people from the dead. He walked on water in the midst of a storm. He multiplied food and fed thousands. He was a healer, provider, teacher and miracle-maker. And, the disciples witnessed all His great exploits.
It was a good time to be a disciple. Imagine being part of the entourage – to have a front-row seat to every gathering, and being up close and personal with Jesus. Yet, to be absolutely certain they had made the right decision, the disciples asked Him, “Are you the one who is to come or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” He assured them that He was their King, their Messiah, the Saviour they had long been waiting for. They were so confident in Him that when he asked the question, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” To which Jesus replied, “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” In other words, only God could have given you this revelation. At the baptism of Jesus, God said, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Another time, God said, “This is my Son... listen to Him.”
After all this, Jesus tells them about his death. He explains that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things; that He must be killed, and on the third day, be raised to life. This was very difficult for the disciples to accept. They were not prepared to lose their King. They did not want their Saviour to die. How did we get from, “This is my Son”, to, “I’m going to be crucified”? How did we go from “Happy New Year!”, to, “Not more than 50 people at a funeral”? How did we go from having dreams and goals, to living in lockdown? And then, Jesus is arrested. And not only that, but also crucified and buried. Can you imagine the disappointment? We have the privilege of knowing how the story ends. But, can you imagine the pain, confusion and fear at losing the person you thought would save you? What people don’t tell you is that grief often manifests as fear. It leaves the bereaved bewildered, lost and discouraged. There’s a feeling of utter hopelessness, where the grieving person battles to function as normal again. The disciples had left everything – homes, families, businesses and opportunities – to follow Jesus. And, now He was dead. How do you carry on after this?
Today, there are people facing this dilemma. They’ve lost their loved ones, businesses, friends, family members and finances, and they’re asking, “how do I begin again? Where do I even start? How do I muster the strength to continue as if nothing ever happened? How do I pretend COVID-19 never happened? How do I get out of bed?” And Peter says, “I’m going fishing.” I’m going back to what I used to do. I’m going back to the familiar. I quit the church. Jesus is dead. This thing isn’t working anymore. The Bible says Peter went back to fishing. You might want to judge Peter for quitting or think that if it were you, then you would not have given up. But, you never know how you would behave until you’re faced with the situation.
Disappointment is a hard pill to swallow. It’s tempting to lose faith; to go back to what you used to do. Peter goes back to where he assumes he might have more control. Sadly, even there he is met with failure. That night, he catches nothing. He’s faced with double disappointment – the loss of his Saviour and the failure of his business. It was very discouraging!
Just when Peter was at the place of giving up, the Bible says that Jesus appeared to them early the next morning. At first, they didn’t recognise him. He tells them to throw their net on the right side of the boat; they catch 153 fish and yet their net did not break. So, you might have experienced great loss and disappointment. But, God can still give you success in the midst of discouragement. He knows where to find you. He will never leave nor forsake you. Jesus reinstated Peter into the ministry and he went on to proclaim the good news of Christ. You can begin again after a loss. You can fulfil the call of God on your life once again. Don’t give up. He is the God of new beginnings.
What people don’t tell you is that grief often manifests as fear. It leaves the bereaved bewildered, lost and discouraged. There’s a feeling of utter hopelessness, where the grieving person battles to function as normal again.