The Bitter Taste of Betrayal
A Lesson from Peter’s Denial
When the rooster’s second crow pierced the night air, Peter was struck by the weight of his own words. He had boasted that he would never abandon Jesus, but in the face of danger, he had denied his Lord not once, not twice, but three times. The memory of that fateful night would haunt him for the rest of his life, a constant reminder of his failure.
The Fountain of Tears
As Peter reflected on his betrayal, he was overcome with grief. His sin was great, but the grace he received afterwards was even greater. This same experience is common to all believers, as the Holy Spirit works to transform our hearts of stone. We, like Peter, remember our bold promises, only to eat our words with the bitter herbs of repentance.
The Agony of Regret
When we think of how we promised to stand by our Lord, and how often we have failed, we may weep showers of grief. Peter must have replayed the scene of his denial, remembering the place, the reasons, and the lies he told. How can we remain indifferent and stubborn when faced with our own misdeeds? Shouldn’t we repent of our sin and cry out to the Lord for renewed assurances of His pardoning love?
The Power of a Loving Gaze
But Peter’s regret was not the only thing that haunted him. He also remembered the look of love and sorrow that Jesus gave him after his denial. That glance was never far from Peter’s mind, a constant reminder of the Savior’s full forgiveness. It was a look that restored him to his former place, and it was far more effective than any sermon.
A Call to Repentance
To think that we have offended such a kind and good Lord is reason enough to be constant weepers, both out of sorrowful repentance and joyful, thankful forgiveness. May we never take a dry-eyed look at sin, for it threatens to lead us down a dangerous and lonely path. Instead, let us ask the Lord to soften our rocky hearts and make the waters flow.
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