William Andrew Dillard
Most
every Bible student is familiar with the great sin of the Apostle
Peter. Peter was a man quick to speak and a little slow to think. It
seems that he had to say something on every occasion, and often what
he said was wrong. In that regard many of us today can identify with
him.
Of course, what is remembered most is his boast to stay
with the Lord, and support Him no matter what the circumstances.
Jesus told him that before the rooster crowed he would deny Him three
times. That is exactly what happened. What must it have been like to
know that you not only denied, but cursed to emphasis that denial of
Jesus in the crucial hour of his trial and subsequent
crucifixion?
So, what did Peter do that was so right? In tears
he repented of his deed as he realized the weakness of the flesh and
what can happen when real danger knocks at one’s door. His
repentance was genuine, and the grace of God was sufficient to
forgive him and restore him to prominent service in His ministry.
Peter would never be the same. However, his bitterly disappointing
sin was totally forgiven and he was so much the wiser for the
experience.
God’s Word teaches us that “If we confess our
sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse
us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9. Peter sinned greatly, but
he genuinely repented, received the forgiveness of God and went on to
serve Him in a great and wonderful way. That is so right!
We
should never let past sins and disappointing deeds keep us from a
close relationship with the Lord. God is in the convicting business.
Additionally, He is in the forgiving business when one repents of
sin. He is in the restoration business of broken lives to meaningful
purpose in His great cause on earth. No one should miss out on the
fulfillment of spiritual potential in this life, and the reward that
it will bring in the next one.
Are you disappointed in yourself?
Are you disappointed in others? We are all sinners. We all disappoint
others from time to time. We also disappoint ourselves, especially
when we think we are strong, and we discount the weakness of the
flesh. It is not amazing that we should fail, but it is so important
that we repent, and go on in serving our wonderful Lord and Savior
Who loves us. In this, we can also identify with the apostle Peter,
and that is so right!
