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Last week we reviewed the story of Simon Peter. How he was called to follow Jesus. How he was the first among the disciples to recognize Jesus as the Christ, which amounted to a declaration of commitment. How he subsequently denied a relationship with Jesus. And finally how after the resurrection Jesus met with Simon Peter and clarified the fisherman’s commitment to the purposes of God.

Upon his declaration of Jesus as the Christ, Jesus gave him his name Peter – meaning “The Rock.” Jesus told the rest of the disciples, “Upon this Rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”

In his denial of Jesus, “The Rock” crumbled. The resurrected Christ met with Peter, but refused to call him by his name of honor. Rather he called him by his simple birth name, Simon.

“Simon do you love me?” Jesus asked. “Then feed my sheep.”

Last week Simon Peter renewed his commitment to Jesus and was reconciled with his Lord. But, because the best determinate of future behavior is past behavior, we are left wondering how it turns out. This time, will Simon Peter prove to be faithful in his commitment to the Lord?

Commitment only bears fruit in action. The promise of commitment is of no consequence without the demonstration of commitment. Every opportunity to act in accordance with a commitment reinforces the strength of the bond and the character of the person.

God uses commitment as a formative tool. “Personhood” grows up supported by the strong tie of commitment. A planter stakes a young tree to provide support until its trunk thickens. Commitment is the stake that thickens people. Commitment guides the development of character allowing a person to thicken and grow strong.

The apostle Paul challenges us to “grow up into the full stature of Christ.” “The full stature of Christ” is a quality of character. Commitment nurtures character that formed in the likeness of Jesus.

And so, Jesus challenges Simon-Peter to commit. Today’s reading from the Book of Acts proves that Simon-Peter’s commitment to the purposes of God takes hold. Acts 9:36-43 tells the story of how Peter restores a faithful woman to life.

The story celebrates the fruitfulness of man who has grown strong through his faithfulness to Jesus.