Who Do I Relate To? Peter?

It's hard to believe but we are on our last apostle. Where has the time gone?

Peter is such a colorful fellow. He wasn't thundering-explosive like James and John but he holds a picture all his own.

This week I thought we could review what most of us know about Peter. He made a huge mistake...a great blunder...showed his weakness to all mankind. You can't miss it because it's in all the gospels.

What is it? What's he remembered for? His denial of knowing Jesus.

I suppose most people read the verses and think there's no way they would ever do that. But, unfortunate as it was, this has made Peter more real to me. I can relate to this weakness far more than I care to admit.

Perhaps you can relate to it this way. Have you ever changed your wording of an event or revelation based on who is standing in the room? Have you ever kept your mouth closed because everyone else in the room holds a strong opinion that stands against your beliefs? And, you felt you couldn't defend your beliefs? Have you ever failed to correct someone who's standing right in front of you, who curses using the name of God? The list could go on, but you get the picture. I think it's easy to drop the ball, just like Peter.

Just when he thought he had the guts to face all opposition he hit a wall in the self-confidence realm. Backing down and sniffling away. Regretting his failure.

Oh there were things that set him up for the failure, such as announcing he would 'never' abandon Jesus. Hello, can you say 'bring it on?' That opened him him up for an attack for sure.

Then he allowed the 'high' from the early passover meal to cloud his judgement and not recognize the seriousness on the face of his teacher; the indication that the huge change Jesus had warned them about was close to its realization.

And worst of all, he stopped in the courtyard, right in the middle of the people angry at Jesus. Of course, he was going to face opposition. Why didn't he follow John all the way in, to where he was standing? You know, to be by a fellow believer.

It is so much easier to stand strong if you have the support of another believer in the room, or if you realize something is about to happen so your brain is on alert, or if you think before speaking any definitive on yourself.

In the end, on the beach, walking with Jesus by his side, Peter discovered Jesus did forgive him. With each confession of his love for Jesus, Jesus asked more from Peter, giving him more responsibility in the care of the flock. (John 21)

Good to know: this same forgiveness is there for all of us, just like Peter.