I used to look down on Peter. He walked with Jesus. He was there when Jesus performed miracles. He loved Jesus.
But, in the end, denied He knew Christ.
Matthew 26:73-75
Amplified Bible (AMP)
"After a little while, the bystanders came up and said to Peter, You certainly are one of them too, for even your accent betrays you.
Then Peter began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, I do not even know the Man! And at that moment a rooster crowed.
And Peter remembered Jesus' words, when He had said, Before a [a]single rooster crows, you will deny and disown Me three times. And he went outside and wept bitterly."
How could he? Not once, but 3 times. He vowed he would never deny Christ and yet his actions betrayed his heart. His rollercoaster faith was the only thing that was consistent. When Jesus called him to walk on the water, he leapt out then quickly started to sink when the waves rose around him.
But, today, I see myself in Peter's eyes.
I've walked with Christ for awhile now. I've seen Him work in amazing ways. I love Jesus.
But, sometimes my actions betray my heart.
My failures deny that I know Him.
My unwise decisions declare my commitment to self.
My sin refuses His Lordship.
My pride contradicts my association with Him.
Today, I have a new appreciation for Peter's bitter tears. I find myself crying them too.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
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7 comments:
I've always loved Peter. He is such a good illustration of how difficult this faith walk can be sometimes. Jesus asks us if we love Him and we say we do...but often our actions don't reflect this. So thankful for the grace He offers us!
Oh, how I relate. I think we all have hit those points. The good news is, He still bids us to come to Him. What mercy!
and yet, God chose Peter as the rock
He is building something in you too.
His grace amazes us all.
Mama Lu
Me too Carol; at times, me too. But I know He will never leave; never forsake us. His death on the cross guarantees it. Praying you feel His hand catch your tears.
Love you!
Oh, goodness. Your posts are always so powerful, Carol.
I agree with the other comments here. I see myself in this scenario too, and yet I've always loved how Peter is Cephas - the rock! A foundation. I'm so thankful God uses us imperfect ones for His perfect purposes.
Thank you for your heart here, Carol.
That's what I love about the pillars of faith all through the Bible.
Noah screwed up.
Moses screwed up.
Abraham screwed up.
David screwed up.
Samson screwed up.
Solomon screwed up.
Peter screwed up.
You get the idea. It's right to feel remorse over our sin and lack of faithfulness, but nothing we do (or don't do) surprises God. He's ready to forgive, teach us something, and use it for good...because we love Him. (Romans 8:28)
Praying for you tonight, Carol.
Grace...Amazing!
Thanks for sharing your heart.
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