February 5th Devotion

Matthew 26:74 (NIV)
74 Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!" Immediately a rooster crowed.

This is a famous statement by Peter. He had declared his absolute loyalty to Jesus, and Jesus declared that before would deny him 3 times before the sun rose. Of course, Peter did just that.

I tend to give Peter grace in this situation. He has seen his “Messiah” captured, beaten, spit on, and who knows what else. I know that in my life I have betrayed Jesus for much less. How about you? Have you ever betrayed Christ by your behavior? Think about the circumstances. What was it that caused you to lie, steal, judge, hate, refuse to help, commit a sexual sin, or any of a multitudes of failures that may have been committed by you?

What I find most amazing is that Jesus understood and forgave the repentant Peter.

John 21:15-17 (NIV)
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." 16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." 17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

Not only was Peter forgiven, he became the leader of the new Jerusalem church and was trusted by God to minister to this group of new believers. Feed my sheep. What wonderful words. You and I can trust that Jesus has forgiven you, and trusts you to do the same as Peter. Feed his sheep.

Love, Pastor Don