In the third-century apocryphal book The Acts of Peter, the story is told that during the first persecution of Christians by Nero, Peter (who was residing in Rome at the time) was urged by the believers there to leave the city at once lest he dies there. Fearing for his life, Peter fled the city.
About two miles from the city gates, so the story goes, he was met by a vision of Jesus traveling towards the city. Amazed, Peter explained “Quo Vadis?” — “Lord, where are you going?” Looking into Peter’s eyes, He said, “I go to Rome, to be crucified a second time” — then vanished.
Peter, utterly ashamed and humiliated by his own cowardice, turned back and re-entered the city, later dying by crucifixion himself. Jesus had said to Peter and the other disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Do you know when Jesus said this to them? It’s found in John 14:27 — the end of His ministry, in the Upper Room, the same night He instituted the Lord’s Supper!
The disciples had already witnessed the authority of Christ; they themselves had, in the Name and authority of Christ, cast out demons, healed the sick, preached the good news.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled…” means to “Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed!”
“Do not be afraid” means “Do not permit yourselves to be fearful, intimidated, cowardly, or unsettled!”
The fact that Jesus said this to the disciples at the end of His ministry reveals a whole lot about His men: They were just like us! In spite of what we know and what we’ve seen, we continue to take three steps forward, then one step back (sometimes two!); we submit to Christ’s authority — then renege on our commitment!
Where are you today in your walk with Christ? Is there a point of compromise in your life that needs to be submitted to the authority of Christ? Is Christ calling you to leave something behind — or to take something up? Do you need some kind of physical or emotional healing?
Submit your request(s) unto the Lord then wait for His response: It could be immediate, coming soon — or down the road sometime. On occasion, the Lord has plans for us that do not include a “yes” response. Whatever His answer might be, we have this assurance: “Those who hope in Me will not be disappointed” Isaiah 49:23.