Peter is one of the most lovable characters in all of Scripture—our Lord excepted—is the apostle Peter. On one hand he makes wonderful statements about his beloved Master (Matthew 16:16; John 6:68- 69). On the other hand he made colossal mistakes (Matthew 16:21-23). We all identify with Peter when he stumbles and wish we might be like him in his moments of greatness.
Perhaps Peter’s lowest moment is when he denies his beloved Master 3 times. As soon as he hears the rooster crow and he and Jesus glance at each other, he flees the scene of denial in seizures of weeping. Having heard reports of the Saviour’s resurrection he might have hidden from the Master, but we know Jesus sought him out for a one on one reunion.
Our Lord knew that Peter was humiliated by doing the very thing he said would never happen. So the Good Shepherd, Whose heart was full of love for His beloved fallen sheep, made a private time of reconciliation between them. Later, before the Ascension, this tender hearted Redeemer gave a public honour to Peter by commissioning him to feed His sheep in the presence of the apostles. Such an honour of publicly reinstating Peter assisted him to overcome the memory of his failure and gave him status among the other apostles.
Are you someone who has fallen like Peter, or do you know a Peter? You need to study the ups and downs of this beloved man and, even more, you need to spend time with this remarkable Son of God Who came to reinstate people into a right relationship with His Father in heaven. You either need to come to have your need met or else bring some needy person to this gentle Jesus for the help that only He can give. Today, will you come to have your need met or will you encourage someone who needs His help to come to the One Who said:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NASB)
