Let’s face it, we’re all flesh and blood. We can and do fall short,simply because we have fleshly responses. We say one thing yet we do another. In this world so much is said yet never carried out. I suppose it’s a human flaw. As I’ve been thinking on this recently, the disciple Peter came to mind. Although many biblical people can fall into this category, I think Peter has been on my mind simply because we just celebrated Easter, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus.
Peter had much human weakness in need of divine grace. When Jesus told the disciples about His coming death Peter boldly protested. Let’s see the series of events. In Mark 14:29-31 we see, “Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the others vowed the same.” (NLT) Whew! Such courage until things start happening. Following Jesus arrest, while warming himself in the courtyard of the High Priest, Peter does indeed deny Jesus three times in one night. So much for the bold words. Let’s see what Mark 14:72 says: “And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.” (NLT) Can you imagine the anguish Peter must have felt? He did love Jesus very much but in those fleshly moments of fear, he caved in and denied His Lord.
Last Sunday we went to Life Pointe church for Easter. The Pastor there touched on the following scripture. Mark 16;6-7, “And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”” (ESV) Pastor underlined that and in his notes. (I’m thankful they shared the notes with me since I can’t hear him very well. ). I had never noticed the “And Peter” either. Why do you think the Angel singled Peter out? I mean, Peter was one of the disciples. Why not just say, “Go and tell Jesus disciples?” The more I think about it the more I realize that Peter may have been “beating himself up” over his fleshly denial of the Lord. Perhaps he thought, “Yes, Jesus is alive but would he want to have anything to do with me, especially after I deserted him?” It’s a valid assumption. However, Jesus is FULL of divine grace and John 21 tells us that Jesus restored Peter to ministry.
How many of us fall short? Come on, you know we all do. Romans 3;23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (NLT) We mess up sometimes and need to humble ourselves, seek Jesus face and ask for forgiveness. Jesus will meet you where you are in your situations if you surrender to Him. He met Peter at the Sea of Galilee. Where do you need Him to meet you? Let Him restore you and get you back on track to living the life He created you to live for His glory. He often meets me on my back porch in the mornings when I pour out my heart to Him. You see, this hearing/visually impaired life is no joke. It takes tremendous patience with all I encounter. Sometimes I just don’t feel up to being merciful and respond to frustration in ways the Lord probably doesn’t approve of. Just being real. That’s one thing I’m real good at, being real. But quite often I pray, “Lord help me die to the flesh and live according to Your Spirit. Help me respond in ways that please You.” And you know what, He sure does! I’m so thankful His divine grace meets me in my human weakness.
May I challenge you to examine your heart before the Lord? Ask Him to take a look at your heart and clean up what He sees that needs to be cleansed for His glory. The song Worth com to mind (by Anthony Born 2015) It goes like this: You thought I was worth saving, so You came and changed my life, You thought I was worth keeping, So You cleaned me up inside. You thought I was to die for, so You sacrificed Your life. So I could be free, I could be whole, I could tell everyone I know. I’m going to find the lyrics video and add it below. It’s Wednesday. We’re right smack in the middle of this week. Get your praise on and let God meet you where you are with a heart surrendered for His glory. Be blessed
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