June 9 Faith Gap

John 18:15-18 & 25-27 Simon Peter and another disciple (John) were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. 17 “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” 18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself…25 As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.” 26 One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
 
SINCE that awful early morning in Jerusalem, Peter has been judged, condemned and mocked for this great gap in his faith. One time when I was preaching on Peter’s restoration as recorded in John 22, I asked the congregation what came to mind when Peter’s name was mentioned.
    “Denied Christ,” was the first response. Eventually words such as “passionate”, “reactionary”, “impulsive”, and “rock” were mentioned. I don’t think anyone said “apostle”. I don’t think anyone mentioned he authored two books – or epistles – of the New Testament. No said Peter was the main source for Mark’s gospel. Neither did anyone note he is the first recorded missionary to the Gentiles, even though this is significant in Acts.
   My point here is this: Let’s focus on one’s salvation. Our human mind is naturally prone to point out and hold on to a person’s mistakes. Jesus came to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” The gospel is the good news that God forgives and forgets your sins.
   After his resurrection, Jesus did that with Peter. Jesus would make Peter whole again, and Peter would become the first voice of Jesus’ church to proclaim Acts 2:38 “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
   Peter personally knew what he was preaching. He had repented of his faith gap and became one of Jesus’ faithful apostles to his death. Peter was a living testimony as he came through the darkness of denial into Jesus’ glorious light of forgiveness.
   Joyfully, Peter’s victory over sin has become an example for us in our own struggles. He becomes a model for all Christians. Do we not all find some way to deny our Lord? Do we consider his commands but then forget them? We, too, even deny our relationship with him! Is that why we are so eager to point to Peter’s denial? “If Peter did it, I’m not so bad.”
But let’s see Peter as a model of true discipleship. Refer to Peter as “Peter preached Christ.” and affirm Peter’s passion. And be faithful to speak God’s gospel into our friends’ and neighbors’ lives.
Yes, Peter denied Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus. God permitted both sins. God then in Jesus’ death graciously made a way for both to return to him. Judas rejected the Lord and died in sin. Peter rejected his sin and lived in the Lord.
   What will you do?
 
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I pray I am eager to speak your gospel with a sure testimony of your love, grace and forgiveness. Amen.