SIMON PETER

He had fished for his entire life.

It was all he knew to do, this Jew

But his life was interrupted

By deity in flesh, 

When the words “Follow me”

Changed this fisherman’s world forever.

Rapt in Jesus’ words and wonders,

One of the twelve, like brothers serving

Food for hungry seaside pilgrims,

Using a small boy’s lunch,

Two loaves and five small fish,

Swiftly more in a creator’s hands.

Strong and passionate disciple

Convinced his master is God’s own son. 

Steadfast protector of his Lord,

Swung his knife-edge in rage.

Christ does not need his aid.

Now wickedness appeared to triumph.

Penitent Peter, by Guido Reni

How soon he would ignore his love

In the awful terror of that night.

When knowing Him could lead to death,

Three times came his denial.

The cross is still, it’s done

It appears, but wait he stirs again. 

Two times they’ve seen Him in the flesh.

A third time he has appeared on shore

Hailing failed fishers with advice.

Not knowing this is the Lord

They listen and they find

He’s still capable of miracle.

A quiet time with Christ alone,

Does he love Him, he is asked three times.

“Yes”, Simon says. Then demonstrate.

Fish for humanity

Feed hungry sheep and lambs.

More than anything else, Follow Me.

© Ron Unruh, May 2019

Composed after reading the account of John 18-21, and the story of apostle Simon Peter. 

Painting credit: Guido Reni Nov 4, 1575 – Aug 18, 1642) was an Italian painter of high-Baroque style. He painted primarily religious works, as well as mythological and allegorical subjects. Active in Rome, Naples, and his native Bologna, he became the dominant figure in the Bolognese School. This portrait completed in 1634, located at Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain.