Observation: When Jesus predicted earlier this very night that everyone would abandon him, Peter swore he never would. If anyone knew for certain that Jesus was Messiah, it was Peter. Peter had declared it publicly before everyone. Moreover, Peter had witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus into his glorified persona, had been right there present when Moses and Elijah arrived to meet with Jesus, and had heard the voice of God declare Jesus as his son. Peter knew for absolute certain that Jesus was Messiah, come to save and redeem all the world.
He swears he would never abandon Jesus. How could he given what he knows as unequivocal fact? Yet mere hours later ... he does exactly that, over and over again.
Application: The other day I was watching a lecture by one of today's great intellects, who was discussing his faith. He "believes" but struggles with all elements of faith. One of the things he said struck me hard. He wondered how in the world Christians could believe everything they believe, and then still fail to live life as Jesus commanded. How could we sincerely believe that an all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving God exists, that this God has defined for us exactly what an ideal life looks like, that to help us he sent his only son Jesus as a sacrifice for our mistakes, that Jesus taught and showed us even more about love and hope and faith, and then on a day-to-day basis ... we fail to do it, over and over and over and over again?
He has a great point, and that point bothered me because ... well, I am "that" Christian. I fully believe in God and Jesus. I love them and desire to serve and obey them. And every day I totally fail. Maybe every HOUR I fail in some way. And this intellect is right ... how is that even possible? How can I say I believe with all my heart, and not obey? How can I - and so many other Christians - be such terrible failures.
This has to be the hope given me by Peter. Peter KNEW. He - with maybe John and James - is probably the only person in all of history who one could say absolutely had it spelled out for him. It was like God sat him down and introduced him to Jesus himself, and said, "this is the Messiah, got it?" And Peter absolutely promised to Jesus' face to never deny him ... then did ... adamantly ... three times ... just hours later.
If Peter failed, then of course I will. I can't not fail, as I am a fallen human. And this of course is why we need Jesus in the first place.
I can't dwell on my failings. Instead, I must lean into the grace available to me by faith, knowing that is the only hope I have in the world.
Prayer: Lord, I know you forgive me for my failings through my faith in Jesus. Thank you for that, because you also fully know that I could never, ever be redeemed by my actions, which cannot meet your standards. That said, please do help me in coming closer to meeting your standards. I would like a life that somewhat approaches the life you promise, and I know that comes only by your wisdom. Thank you for your love. Amen.
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