Defining Moment

Practically everyone, believers and unbelievers alike, have heard the story of Jesus walking on the water. "Cool story, bro." Most don't realize, however, that the account says that two people walked on the water that day. We know about Jesus, but Matthew records how Peter challenged Christ to call him out on the water. When He did, Peter went. "And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came toward Jesus" (Matt 14:28). So why don't we remember Peter? Well, Matthew went on to say, "Seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink" (Matt 14:30). Not an entirely successful attempt. But what would it be like to be "the Apostle who walked on water"? Sure, he sank, but he walked on the water! This was not the defining moment in Peter's life, big as it was. What was it? "We did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty." (2 Peter 2:16).

We know that in John's Gospel there is one disciple referred to as "the disciple that Jesus loved" (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7; 21:20). We know who that is, of course. That was John. Imagine that ... going through the rest of your life with the moniker, "The disciple that Jesus loved." Nice! That was not John's defining moment. What was?

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:1-3)

Isaiah was a prophet. That might seem small today, but in his day that was big. The Scriptures often talk about two big entities -- the Law and the Prophets. Isaiah was in that latter category. He was selected by God to be God's mouthpiece to Israel. And he did it. This was not his defining moment. What was? "In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne" (Isa 6:1). That account goes on to tell of the six-winged seraphim attending to God and calling to each other in voices that shook the throne room, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory" (Isa 6:3). Now, you'd think he would be pleased. You know, God's mouthpiece and all. He wasn't.

Then I said, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts." (Isa 6:5)

Huh. That's odd. He saw the One who commissioned him to speak and his reaction is "I am a man of unclean lips."

It appears to be consistently true in Scripture. Anyone who personally encountered God was changed -- redefined. They could not continue in their old ways. Moses led his people into the desert for 40 years when he was 80 because he talked to the burning bush. Judah, the usurper, turned over a new leaf when he wrestled with God at Peniel. Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness (Gen 15:6; Rom 4:3; Gal 3:6). Peter encountered the Master and went from a brash disciple to the leader of the Church.

We see a variety of things that we think define us these days. Maybe it's our talents. Maybe it's our appearance. There are some that define themselves by their sexual attraction. Or the gender they feel they are. Money, power, accomplishments, "stuff" ... lots of things. It all pales in comparison to a personal encounter with the living God. Like Moses I pray, "Show me Your glory!" (Exo 33:18) I pray that for you, too.