Luke 22:61-62
The Lord turned and looked at Peter And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
Have you ever made a mistake? I mean a really bad one; the kind of mistake that could ruin everything. Something you think could damage your future. That is what happened to Peter. He thought it was all over.
Jesus had predicted that Peter would deny Him and that is exactly what happened. It’s that whole Son of God thing. When Jesus was at the house of the High Priest being berated and falsely accused, Peter arrived. People recognized Peter as a disciple of Jesus but he denied it three times out in the courtyard. Then he saw Jesus and remembered the prophecy. Then, the rooster crowed. Peter had told Jesus he would never deny Him and now he had three times. Peter wept bitterly.
Peter probably thought it was all over for him. He had betrayed the Christ and there was no turning back. What was he thinking? He had gone back on his word and doubts of his worthiness were creeping in. The accuser always uses doubt to get us off track. If he can distract us from the goal, he wins. Peter probably feels everything is lost at this point. He has denied the Lord. It cannot get any worse. But Jesus made another prophecy about Peter also. Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter and said “ on this rock, I will build my Church” Peter means rock. Even though Jesus knew Peter would fail, He also knew Peter would come back stronger. There was redemption in the plan. The changing of Simon to Peter also indicated a new redeemed life. No matter how dark it looks, God still has a good plan for you. Have you failed more than once? Peter did! I sure do. Do you think you are beyond redemption? Are you carrying that heavy burden? Remember the thief on the cross beside Jesus? Jesus said that thief “would be with Him in paradise!” If Jesus can redeem the thief, He can redeem you. You may have lost the battle but Jesus already won the war! Love wins!
What burdens are you carrying today? Do you feel you are beyond hope? Are you discouraged? It doesn’t have to be that way. Every mistake you have ever made can be washed away and your life can take a whole new direction. In Christ, you can be made new. There is hope for you! Ask Him!
Lord, will You redeem us? You said we could be with You in paradise. You said You go to prepare a place for us. You said You would give us rest. We are in need of all these things. We are in need of You! Open our hearts and minds toward You and give us Your Salvation. As the year draws to a close and we make plans for the next one, help us include You in those plans. Walk with us and guide us where You would have us go. Bless us by Your Spirit and guide us into that good plan You have for us. In Your name we pray! Amen!