Simon Peter also betrayed Jesus that night when he denied him three times. He had sworn earlier that evening that he would never, ever disown him. Other people might turn chicken and flee but not he! He would rather die first. He will be the one to go down fighting by Jesus' side.
Like Judas, he didn't realize what he was doing as he was doing it. Like Judas, he realized what he had done after he did it and was absolutely devastated. The gospels said he wept bitterly. The only difference between Peter and Judas is that Peter didn't kill himself. He lived to see a new morning. He saw the empty tomb. He saw Jesus alive again. He received forgiveness, blessing and a new life.
On the night of betrayals, Jesus told him, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
In the midst of our failure and shattered dreams, Jesus also says to us: "I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Caroline... you are such an inspiration. Keep writing!
Posted by: Mark Kraft | March 22, 2005 at 08:47 PM