03/01/2023
Do we love Jesus without wavering? Do we love Jesus as much as He would like for us to? This is what I am dwelling on this morning. I am asking myself if my faith is sufficient, and my love for Christ deep enough. I am also contemplating how I could possibly face failure, and if Jesus could still love me?
Every time I think I have reached the point in my faith in which my love is without fail, I deny Jesus. I do it in ways that are often subtle in their nature, but nonetheless, I deny Him and my soul aches at the realization of my failure. However, the pain I feel isn't all bad... it encourages me to do better in the future, and I ache because I truly do love Him... just not perfectly yet.
“And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.”
Luke 22:61-62 ESV
Peter learned this lesson just as we do. He felt that his love for Jesus couldn't be shaken and that nothing was stronger than his commitment to Him. I am reminded of Jesus asking Peter three times if he loved Him, as He asked Peter to bring the gospel to His flock. Let's read...
“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”
John 21:17 KJV
Then after answering "Yes" each time that Jesus asked whether he loved Him or not... Peter was told that he would indeed deny Him; not just once, but three times. In hearing this Peter was incredulous and adamantly argued that he would not deny the Lord!
“Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.”
Matthew 26:33-35 KJV
Yet, in all of his strength, and love, he denied Christ three times... just as Jesus had said... Three times before the cock did crow.
“One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.”
John 18:26-27 KJV
This isn't an apostle who was weak in faith, but one that Jesus held up as the rock on which He would build His church. This is the apostle that could save souls and forgive sins.
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Matthew 16:18-19 KJV
So Jesus already knew that Peter would pledge his love, and that he would deny Him three times, and yet He affirmed his calling and his strength of faith. Despite his weakness, Jesus called him strong. There is hope here for us... Jesus doesn't see us as perfect unfailing beings... He sees us in all of our frailties and failings, He recognizes us for who we are and yet He still loves us, calls us, teaches us, and sees promise in us.
We are like Peter, we truly love the Lord, but we are also human with human failings. We have fears, and certain emotions that will draw us to deny Jesus if allowed too much reign in our lives. But, we are also like Peter in the fact that Jesus sees the promise in us and looks beyond who we are, to who we will become. It would be easy for us to give up hope when we deny Jesus, but although it wounds us deeply, the love of the Lord nurses our wounds and lifts us to our feet once again.
He doesn't let our denial destroy His faith and Love for who we will become... so we should shouldn't lose our faith in His ability to love and forgive us either. We, like Peter, should lift ourselves up and in contrition, humility, and prayer, restore our relationship and faith... not just to what it once was, but to a place of greater strength. Jesus loves us... so remember that love always, and let our children sing this reminder to us in our days, hopes, and dreams.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for loving us, even in our imperfections, and never let us lose sight of you when we stumble, or deny you in any way. Let us understand that even when we fail, you see in us the person you are leading us to become. Lord, give us the strength of Peter, and though the pain of our failure pierces us, perfect us through our suffering that we too might become a rock on which you can depend. Holy Father, your forgiveness and love knows no bounds; you love us even in the knowledge of our future failures. You love us in the promise of our faith, and the evidence of our love for you. Heavenly Father... may we never deny you, but if we should, we pray that you will welcome us home once more upon our return... welcome us as Jesus welcomed Peter, calling us your beloved sons and daughters who wishes only to love and bless you in in our lives.
Rich Forbes