The dude I think I most identify with in the Bible is Peter.

 

He, in his worst moments, is just like me.

 

It is astonishing….and it gives me hope.

 

Jesus tells His disciples about the tough road ahead and Peter assures Him—that he will not leave His side….And then he abandons Him.

 

Jesus tells Peter he will deny Him….and Peter assures him that he will not…..And then he curses to make a point to deny Him.

 

Jesus asks Peter to go pray—-BEGS him to go pray….and Peter responds by going to take a nap.

 

And so here is this undependable, disloyal, and lazy friend—-who basically does EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE of what God tells him to….and I am reading it thinking:  That’s Me.

 

Jesus is mocked, beaten, given an unfair trial, and executed between two thieves ……. And, to add salt to the wound, He is ALONE.  Almost all of His followers, including Peter, have run off like scalded dogs.

 

But then….we have a resurrection, and an encounter:

 

John 21 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”  “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”  He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”  17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”  Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”  18 Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.  Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

 

This Peter….this guy who abandoned and ran….is not only forgiven…..He is PROMOTED.

 

He is the “rock” who is chosen to start the church.

 

He is the one who will step forward and champion the gospel.

 

That my friends….is a scandal.

 

That my friends….is like a business owner catching a thief who has been robbing him blind and PROMOTING HIM TO BE THE COMPANY PRESIDENT!

 

That my friends…..gives me hope……and it should you to.

 

Because the word says that WHILE we were still sinners….Christ died for us.

 

We that choose Him…..that receive Him…..are given the greatest promotion you could ever imagine…..

 

And it is all due to His Loving Grace.

 

In The Name of the Father and the

Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

 

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Coach J