John 1:40-42 : One of the two who heard John, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which is, being interpreted, Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by interpretation, Peter).

I can relate to Andrew. When I find something I think is amazing I like to go find someone to share it with. That’s what I am doing now with you. The Bible talks about the most important, necessary, and wonderful things I have ever heard. I want to bring you to Christ through His word. I also wouldn’t mind having beautiful feet:

Isaiah 52:7 : How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

As soon as Jesus saw Peter, He renamed him. Jesus didn’t think of Peter as a coward. He renamed him: “Rock” immediately. Peter was later to have trouble standing up for what He believed. He would be known for his emotions and for speaking before really knowing what to say. Then, in Jesus’ worst moment, Peter would disown Him.

Being God, Jesus may have been thinking about this the very moment He saw Peter. Jesus went after him the moment He saw him and started by telling him that he would not be Simon in the end but He would be “Rock”. Jesus gave him a new name, and He was later to give him a new character. That’s how Jesus works with us today.

Jesus changed your name from “Sinner” to “Saint” if you believe. God calls us to trust Him and let Him help us become who we were meant to be:

Philippians 1:27a : Only let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ