Bible Reading: Matthew 26:75
Peter loved Jesus. He’d followed Jesus even after Jesus was arrested when everyone else had deserted Jesus.
Even so, Peter’s fear caused him to deny that he knew or followed Jesus. Three times in one short night, Peter told those who asked, “I don’t know the man!”
When Peter realized what he’d done – that he had denied knowing the Messiah, the Savior of the world – he wept. Matthew 26:75 describes the scene and Peter’s reaction like this: “Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.” Peter was heartbroken, crushed. I suspect that he felt that he was no longer worthy to follow Jesus. Peter probably believed that Jesus could no longer use him. He probably felt dirty and beneath contempt. He probably hated himself.
However, Jesus loved Peter. Jesus knew that deep in Peter’s heart, Peter loved Him as well. Jesus knew that Peter wanted to serve Him. Jesus knew that He could still use Peter to do great and wonderful things for God.
Have you let Jesus down? Do you feel like a fool and a failure?
God can still use you. In fact, He wants to use you to do great and wonderful things.
Do what Peter did after he let Jesus down – ask for God’s forgiveness and let Him begin using you now. Then put your past mistakes behind you and focus on serving and pleasing God from now on.
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13b & 14
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m sorry I let You down. Let’s start over right now. In Jesus’ name. Amen.