GOD’S WORD FOR DECEMBER 28

Our  book this month  is a continuation of “Chiseled by the Master’s Hand ~ Lessons From the Life of Peter,” by Erwin  Lutzer.  Dr. Lutzer is  Canadian-born and served as Senior Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years, until his retirement in 2016.   He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Moody Church.  He’s written many books and has radio and internet teaching programs.

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FROM REGRET TO RESTORATION

(Read Luke 22:31-62)

CHRIST HAS COMPASSION FOR US

Christ prays for us.  He knows our circumstances and weaknesses and shows us compassion.  He sees our hurt, anger, and shame.  He sees the love that we have for Him and the regret our sin has caused us.  AND HE CARES.

If you have experienced deep regret, you will have some idea of the torture Peter must have gone through for three long days.  He had promised that he would stand with Christ until death, and now he buckled under a bit of pressure.  Imagine what he felt after news of his Master’s crucifixion reached him: 

“My last chance to prove my loyalty!  I DENIED HIM, NOT ONCE, NOT TWICE, BUT THREE TIMES!  AS LONG AS I LIVE I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO CHANGE THE PAST ….I CAN’T FORGIVE MYSELF!”  His own oaths rang in his ears.

If someone now had asked Peter, “Are you a disciple of Jesus?”  he may very well have said, “I was one, but I am no longer worthy of that high honor.  I’m no longer one of the twelve disciples.  The book on me is closed.”  Might it not be that Peter thought he was the one about whom Christ spoke at the Last Supper, when He said, “One of you shall betray Me”?  Perhaps the traitor was not Judas after all but Peter, the one who promised allegiance to his Master!!!

After Christ was dead, He was put into a new tomb in a nearby garden.  Some women came to the tomb on the first day of the week to anoint the body.  They were wondering who would roll the heavy stone from the entrance when, to their surprise, they noticed that it had already been pushed aside.

When they entered, they saw a young man sitting at the right wearing a white robe.  Incredibly he told them that Jesus was no longer there, for He was risen!  Then the angel added, “But go, tell His disciples and Peter.”  (Mark 16:6).

AND PETER!!

Why does Peter get honorable mention?  Christ knew that if he were not specifically mentioned by name he would never feel worthy of being included among the disciples.  This was Christ’s overture; it was the Master’s hand extended to a fallen comrade.

Even more grace followed.  Luke tells a story of two disciples walking to Emmaus when they were unknowingly joined by Jesus.  After Christ revealed Himself to them, they returned to Jerusalem that same evening where they were greeted with the news, “The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon.” (Luke 24:34).

He appeared to Simon!  In 1 Corinthians 15 the Apostle Paul listed those to whom Christ has appeared after His resurrection.  Interestingly, Peter (Cephas) appears at the top of the list.  This confirms that Peter was the first to see Jesus after the Resurrection.  Peter did not have to feel like an outcast any longer!  A compassionate Jesus had forgiven him.

By His actions, Christ was saying, “Peter, you fell, but you are not down.  You were ashamed to say you knew Me, but I am glad to say that I know you.  You have sinned, but you have wept tears of repentance and you are forgiven.  I love you, Peter.”

Even now the arms of Jesus are reaching out to us, no matter our failures.  Those arms are long and gentle enough to embrace even the most wayward, backslidden person who has denied the Savior. Jesus has His eyes fastened on us, saying, “I have compassion on you.  I assure you that you can come into fellowship with the living God.”

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Psalm 34:18

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

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Matthew 28:20

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

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Psalm 23:4

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

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Psalm 147:3

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

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Psalm 30:5

“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

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Psalm 42:11

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

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Romans 5:8

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

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