FAITH NEWSWIRE – Rob Hawkes, the author of ‘Peter’s Song’ takes an exclusive look into the life of Peter, the disciple of Jesus. He has examined his humanness and looks at the humanity of the men Jesus chose to be His disciples. The very enlightening book deals with the tragedy and humour of the various situations scripture places them in.
‘Peter’s Song’ is published by Ark House Press.
The book looks at the unique celebration of the very ordinary made extraordinary by the hand of God. It brings some great insights into the life of the Apostle Peter as recorded in scripture. But it is seen through his eyes and those who may have witnessed the events with him.
What makes the author’s book intriguing and interesting to read? Rob explains, “There are a number of unique perspectives on familiar passages in the scriptures…at least I think they’re unique. For example: readers may be familiar with the accounts of the Last Supper in the upper room and when the Holy Spirit fell in power on those gathered there at Pentecost. But have you ever wondered what those events would have sounded like to those in the lower room? ‘Peter’s Song’ looks at that perspective. The book also dares to take a first person viewpoint of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples gathered in the room.”
The author also looks at the Gospel account of Peter’s reinstatement by Jesus on the shores of Galilee after His resurrection from the dead. It mentions Peter wrapping his outer garments about himself before leaping from the boat into the water to greet his Master on the shoreline. This is a beautiful illustration of the love that Peter had for Jesus.
“I have used this example of Peter and the others to highlight one of the qualities that may have singled out Peter as leadership material,” the author says. “It may be alien to our controlled, ordered western view of the world, but maybe there is something about allowing our love of Jesus freedom of expression that the rest of the world needs to see more. Even if we look a little foolish in the process!”
The book is unique as there is a touch of humor and it is not overly religious nor is it excessively theological in its approach. This may be a little unusual given its subject matter. The author hopes it is all the more accessible for a wider readership because of that.
‘Peter’s Song’ is a little unconventional in its perspective on familiar passages. The author explains, “It emphasizes the humanity of the ordinary men and women who met Jesus. It takes you into their company as they travel together, share meals and wrestle with the horrifying death of their beloved Rabbi, contemplate their future without Him, then share in the wonder of His resurrection. It explores their new relationships that developed now that Jesus was no longer (physically) with them.
“Peripheral figures in the Gospels like Mary, Martha and Lazarus take a more prominent role in the story. The disciples would have previously had a relationship with them because of their association with the renowned Jesus of Nazareth. Would this change following His death? Would they have any association with them in the future or would they have to establish their own relationship with each other, without Jesus in their midst?”
Rob Hawkes describes how he sees Peter as different from the other disciples. “His propensity to make very public mistakes.
The completely inappropriate violence he exhibited in the Garden of Gethsemane at the moment of Jesus’ arrest followed shortly after by his cowardice and rejection of Jesus in the courtyard of the house of Caiaphas, when confronted by a young servant girl. His eagerness to have a go. Jesus’ eagerness for him to succeed!
“To a greater or lesser extent I see these traits in my life and in the lives of some others who I know. I find him endearing because of them, not in spite of them. He’s the one who comes across as the most human and therefore the easiest for me to identify with, because all his failings are my own too. Peter was an ordinary, hardworking man. Someone who was prone to misunderstandings and making mistakes, even after meeting and living alongside Jesus throughout His ministry years.”
The book builds to a crescendo of hope brought about by the transforming work of the Holy Spirit working in and through them as they continue with the ministry Jesus started.
Editor’s Note: this article may be re-produced, without requiring permission.
