Luke 22:32 – “…strengthen your brothers…”
The commands of God are not complicated, they are simple, and, in their simplicity, they are deeply profound. Peter is not given a long and convoluted set of instructions, but he is merely given three words from Jesus that He followed for the rest of his life. We also are to follow these words and make them a life-long practice; we are to strengthen our brothers.
We are not called to criticize, or complain about our brothers, nor to demean them; we are called to strengthen them. Strength answers many problems and challenges in life. If we are strong, we can go through difficult seasons courageously and not be overcome by them. A trial of sickness can be endured if we have strength. Financial difficulty and pressures can be bravely faced if we have strength. Relationship trouble, betrayal, divorce and even the loss of a loved one cannot defeat us if we have strength. Paul confirms this fact when he said that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him.
For Peter, the brothers may have represented three categories. First, they were his Hebrew brothers; he was called to strengthen their faith in the One True God. Secondly, they were his brothers in Christ; he was called to strengthen their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His plan for their lives. Thirdly, they were his brothers of humanity; he was called to strengthen their faith as good citizens and builders of a healthy home and family life.
They are my brothers and I have an innate responsibility to add strength to their life. As members of a family we understand first-hand that the brothers will inevitably have conflict. The very first family reveals the tendency for sibling rivalry and relationship trouble; indeed, Cain did not fulfill his role as his brother’s keeper.
Notice in this instance that Peter is not told to go evangelize and bring in new people; he is told to strengthen the existing people. We do indeed have a Great Commission to reach the world with the Gospel message, but what are we bringing people into? If we do not strengthen our home base there is nothing for others to re-build their lives upon.
Each of us has daily opportunities to strengthen others. We mustn’t take anything away from people but always give something to them. Find something in their life that you can support and strengthen. Leave them better off after you have spoken to them. Help, assist, contribute, build and reinforce. What would our homes be like if we constantly strengthened all those within it? How about our workplace, or our church? Let’s be those who are known for their positive contribution; let’s be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Let's begin to strengthen those around us, encourage those around us, and always look for a way to be constructive; strengthen the brothers!
