But go, tell His disciples–and
Peter–that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He
said to you. Mark 16:7
Does God
give second chances to those who have failed Him? He certainly did so for
Peter. Peter had proudly announced that he was Jesus’ most reliable disciple
(Matt. 26:33). Yet Peter not only fled with the other disciples in the moment
of crisis, but also blatantly denied he even knew Jesus (Matt. 26:69-75). Peter
failed so miserably that he went out into the night and wept bitterly (Luke
22:62).
How
compassionate the risen Christ was to Peter! The angel gave the women at the
tomb special instructions to let Peter know that He was risen. Jesus took Peter
aside to allow him the opportunity to reaffirm his love and commitment (John
21:15-17). The risen Lord also chose Peter as His primary spokesman on the day
of Pentecost, when three thousand people were added to the church.
God’s
desire is to take you from where you are and bring you to where He wants you to
be. When He found His defeated followers hiding together in an upper room,
Jesus’ first word was “peace” (John 20:19). Jesus’ first words to you after you
fail may also be “peace.” Jesus will find you in despair and bring you peace.
Then, He will reorient you to Himself so that you can believe Him and follow
Him. Don’t give up if you have failed your Lord. Remember what happened to
Peter. God has not yet finished developing you as a disciple.
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