I was looking at Peter’s life, and I thought, “What can we learn from Peter, this humble fisherman?”  We’ve talked about Saul, who was humbled by the anointing that was coming upon him, so much so that he hid himself among the stuff.  He was the least of the tribes of Israel and the least of that tribe.  That’s how he saw himself when he started out.  “Oh,” the prophet said, “when you were small in your own eyes, God could use you.”  Amen?  And now we see him, haughty, not waiting for Samuel to come, assuming the role of the prophet and of the priest upon himself and offered the sacrifice, and Samuel speaks the curse of God upon him.  And all he wanted was this: “Okay, I understand the kingdom’s going to be taken from me.  I understand the judgment of God is upon me, but can you for this moment make me big in the eyes of the people?”  And Samuel began to turn and walk off, and Saul grabbed his robe and ripped it, and he said, “And so shall the kingdom be rent from your hands.  God is looking for a man better than you,” and it was David, praise God.

We went through the life of David and saw how God had to bring him back to a place of humility, after having started off as that shepherd boy and began then to be in his own eyes separate from the people, thinking he could take another man’s wife at whim because he’s the king.  Murders one of his most faithful men.  The judgment of God came.  He was not allowed to build the temple of God.  He said, “You’re a bloody man,” just as Moses’ wife spoke to him.  I think one of the most humbling things that David ever did was that day he walked out of Jerusalem, drinking from the cup of judgment, his son Absalom betraying him.  I’ve been betrayed by a son.  I know what it’s like.  It hurts.  It still hurts.  It hurts every day of my life.  It never goes away.  It almost cost him the kingdom as he cried out and not able to be consoled, “Absalom.  My son, Absalom.”  And his counselors came and said, “If you keep emphasizing the life of this rebel, you’re going to lose the people.”  So, Absalom mocks his father, molests his concubines in public.  They begin to flee and as they leave Jerusalem, here they come after him with the ark of God on their shoulders.  He’s the anointed of God.  And he stops, and he says, “Take the ark back.  Take the ark back.  If God’s through with me, not my will; His will be done.”  Amen?  Not a thought for his position, not a thought for his possessions, but the glory of God.  “The people need the presence of God.  I’ll do anything to keep the presence of God in the midst of the people.”  And he went alone to live in caves.

This fisherman now called and walks away from his nets; knows the anointing of God.  This fisherman being one of those whom God confers upon him the power and authority of the Holy Spirit.  He was not Spirit‑filled at that time.  That took place at Pentecost, but he was endued with power.  He was endued with authority.  They went and cast out devils, and as they returned, they were rejoicing that devils were subject to them.  And He said, “Don’t rejoice that these devils are subject; but rejoice that your name is written in the heavens.”  Praise God.  It’s not about signs and wonders.  It’s not about people recognizing your position and your power and your authority.  You ought to thank God that you’re taken note of in heaven, praise God.  It doesn’t matter what men think about you.  We’re the children of God; heirs and joint‑heirs with Christ Jesus, hallelujah.