August 15 Who is Peter?

Luke 22:33-34 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” 
 
PETER is ready to suffer and die with his Lord if that’s what he must do. But the Lord isn’t ready for him to do so. As we are quick to hold up Peter’s sin – “He denied Christ!” – let’s stop, instead, to consider the Lord’s purposes for Peter’s denial.
    First, Jesus needed Peter to stay alive. What might have happened if impetuous Peter charged into Jesus’ trials before the Pharisees or Pilate? Arrest? Long imprisonment? Execution? Satan’s sifting of Peter was a way the Lord would stop his spontaneous, reactionary disciple from a foolish act. Sometimes a leader needs his top people to wait.
    Second, as we discussed in the previous lesson, Jesus needed Peter to be a living testimony – a rock of faith. Coming through the darkness of denial into Jesus’ glorious light of forgiveness, this man would powerfully preach Jesus’ transforming power. Hear his passion in Acts 3:19 “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Peter was a preacher who personally knew about sin. He understood repentance. And he faithfully experienced God’s forgiveness (John 21). The denying disciple became an overcoming apostle. Sin did not defeat Peter. God’s gospel empowered him.
    Third, Peter’s victory over sin became an example for the others in their struggles. When we view Peter’s restoration and new life in Jesus’ resurrection, we see how he becomes a model for all Christians. We know he denied Christ. But do we not all find some way to deny our Lord’s instructions? 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 use Peter as a model of true discipleship. Refer to Peter as “Peter preached Christ.” and affirm Peter’s passion. Do any of us do that? Are we faithful to speak God’s gospel into our friends’ and neighbors’ lives?
    Yes, Peter denied Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus. God permitted both sins. Still, each was responsible for his denying, betraying heart. 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.