Rock and Redeemer

Have you ever wondered what Peter was thinking as he ran from the courtyard with the rooster's crow echoing in his ears? I've mostly imagined what he was feeling: shock, self-disgust, condemnation.

But in Matthew 10:33, Jesus is teaching His disciples (including Peter) about the cost of discipleship before sending them out to do His work. He says, "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven."

I think these words were falling like a millstone on Peter's soul as he ran. He'd walked daily with his Friend and Teacher over miles of lonely roads with thousands of people crowding around. And yet, when the push of terror came against the shove of disillusionment, Peter chose to save himself.

And don't we all attempt to save ourselves from time to time to time? We stockpile possessions and friends, we seek to influence, to see and be seen, to make a legacy for ourselves. All to try and redeem the days we've been given.

I also think that some time that long, dark day or the one that followed, Peter remembered the first time Jesus spoke to him beside the Sea of Galilee, "Follow Me." Two simple, little words. A clear command and invitation. But when his dreams were shattered by horrific reality, and he'd fallen farther than he thought possible, Peter must have wondered if he was beyond saving.

Have you been there? So broken by what you never thought you'd do. Sure that this was beyond forgiving. Condemned by the breach of your own convictions. I have. And David had. After committing adultery and murder, he pours out his heart to God, knowing that he doesn't deserve to be heard, let alone restored. So instead of defending his actions, David throws himself onto the mercy and character of God. "Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions." (Psalm 51:1)

On Easter morning, when Jesus' broken body is filled to overflowing with His glorified Presence, it is redeemed and renewed and restored into something even better - now able to walk through walls and appear at will.

When Peter was broken from sin and shame, every hope and ambition destroyed, Jesus comes to him. And once again, beside the Sea, Jesus says, "Follow Me." He restores and redeems and renews Peter into something more than he'd been.

No longer the disillusioned and despairing disciple of Thursday night. On the day of Pentecost, Peter would preach fearlessly and welcome thousands into the newborn Church. (Acts 2) The religious leaders of the day were baffled that this simple fisherman could speak with such power. Their only explanation that Peter had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

Simon the rough, uneducated and likely illiterate lover of Jesus was finally revealed as Peter the Rock and first leader of the Church.

Wherever you are today, you are not too far gone to be renewed in body and soul. You haven't fallen so low that you can't be restored to God's design for you. You are not too sinful or broken to be redeemed by the One who made you and has never stopped loving you.