the difference between a reed and a rock

some books say his name meant "listening" - but it didn't seem to fit him - he always seemed to be talking - making bold claims - promising more than he could deliver - jumping to conclusions - not listening - perhaps that's why Jesus changed his name

and some theologians say his name meant "reed" - like a reed of grass - blowing in the wind - whatever wind was blowing his way - making him sad - or angry - that definition seems to fit much better

and for whatever reason Jesus told the disciple previously known as simon that his name was peter - in matthew 16:18 - peter means "rock" or "stone" - that was a very strong declaration - simon - rather peter - would be something solid - sturdy - foundational - something you could count on

but it didn't happen right then

later he is still rash and unpredictable - the night before Jesus is crucified he declares eternal loyalty to Jesus - before the next dawn he has denied knowing Jesus - three times - and in between the declaration and the denial he angrily slices off a man's ear

but something happens - oddly enough it happens after Jesus had returned to heaven - and just a few weeks after denying Jesus - simon - or i should say peter - courageously stands in the street and proclaims his faith in Jesus - and does it again in front of the very council who demanded Jesus be crucified! - he later receives new direction from God about non-jews receiving salvation - and he actually listens - not the simon of old!

what a turn around! - how did it happen? - acts 4 says peter was "filled with the Holy Spirit" - it's obvious this is the difference in simon and peter - it is the one thing that changed between Jesus renaming simon and peter actually showing up

but here is what is so cool about all of this to me - Jesus told simon it was going to happen long before it did - long before he truly became the "rock" Jesus named him - Jesus saw - He even named the difference the Spirit of God would make in simon's life!

that makes me think - Jesus already knows the difference the Spirit of God will make in each of our lives when we finally allow Him to! - i wonder what Jesus sees in you - what great changes will come - how solid you will be - what strength you will be to others around you! - ask Him to make you all He dreams you should be - and expect it!

He already knows - He has already planned it - maybe even named it