Matthew 16:33-34 33. Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." 34. "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."
Have you ever thought what would have happened if Peter had not denied Jesus three times and had witnessed his loyalty to Him? I think this was God's plan, the fact that Peter panicked and went by his feelings probably saved his life. He would have been killed along with Jesus. But God's plan was for him to go on in his work for Him.
Think where a lot of people would be if Peter had not went on to carry out the Gospel. And also think where we'd be, reading this story in the Bible. We being you and me. If the story went differently, we'd be reading how brave he was and how he died for his Savior, but wouldn't understand how loving and forgiving our God is and what He can do with someone who denies Him but ends up giving his whole life to Him and His cause. Yes, God's plan was for Jesus,our Lord and Savior to die that day (for us) but it wasn't Peters time to go. He had more work for him to do.
Remember what the angel said at the tomb after Jesus had risen?
Mark 16:6-7 6. Don't be alarmed," he said "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen." 7. "But go tell his disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you."
Sounds like Our Lord is telling Peter "I forgive you. Move forward and do the work I have planned for you!"
Peter didn't know His plan, but repented and accepted His forgiveness and went on to be a patriarch.
We must look at our own lives as Peter did. He gave Peter "free will" to deny and "knew" he would, but turned it around so beautifully to His good!
No comments:
Post a Comment