Faithful

"And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, 'Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.' Then he began to curse and swear, saying, 'I do not know the Man!' Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, 'Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.' So he went out and wept bitterly." (Matthew 26:73-75 NKJ)

Jesus had said, "tonight, all of you will stumble because of me" (Mt. 26:31). Peter said never. Jesus said soon. Peter proclaimed determination. Jesus proclaimed denial. How easy it is for us to say what we will do when there is no challenge!

In Matthew's narrative, the Sabbath came and Peter was trembling with guilt and loathing. Hiding from the authorities, Peter could not hide from himself. His words and actions had fulfilled the Lord's words. When given three distinct opportunities to stand for Christ, Peter had denied even knowing him.

And standing in the high priest's courtyard, looking into the loving, merciful eyes of the Lord, Peter had heard that rooster crow. And his arrogant, self-confidence was shattered. In an instant he had recognized his intense need for the One he had denied. Broken, he had rushed away to privately mourn his failure.

Guilt is a horrible element of life. Failure to keep my promises. Failure to fulfill my vows. Failure to do my good intentions. And complicating the issue, others are hurt or disappointed by my failure to be faithful. My guilt over weaknesses and mistakes is increased because my loved ones depended on me and I let them down.

In The Meaning of the Look, poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning mused about what Jesus might have been thinking as he looked at Peter by the fire.

I think that look of Christ might seem to say--

'Thou Peter! art thou then a common stone

Which I at last must break my heart upon

For all God's charge to his high angels may

Guard my foot better? Did I yesterday

Wash thy feet, my beloved, that they should run

Quick to deny me 'neath the morning sun?

And do thy kisses, like the rest, betray?

The cock crows coldly.--GO, and manifest

A late contrition, but no bootless fear!

For when thy final need is dreariest,

Thou shalt not be denied, as I am here;

My voice to God and angels shall attest,

Because I KNOW this man, let him be clear.'

Yes, I can identify clearly with Peter's failure. Like him and so many others, I have wept over my failures to stand for Christ, but he has never failed me. In his mercy and grace, when it counts for eternity, he will testify that he knows me. May I remember this and go forward to fail him no more.

Dear Father, thank you for your unfailing grace. Empower a bold witness in me of your unfailing grace and power. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Celebrate Christ's faithfulness today,