Sin. We don’t tend to talk about it much, especially our own sin.
But with yesterday being Easter, the subject of sin – my sin – is on my mind, and Watchman Nee had me deep in thought recently:
“I, Peter, have denied the Lord.”
How active Peter’s memory must have been recalling the grim events of the past day or two! And in the lurid light of the recent past, how many details of the less recent past must have shown up in dark relief. Could he ever forget? No, never. Peter could never forget; but the risen Lord could dispel all his fears and forebodings with a word.”
(from Twelve Baskets Full 1 by Watchman Nee, page 28)
Can we even imagine all Peter felt in the one quick moment in which he denied the Lord?
- Peter, the one who had experienced the Mount of Transfiguration.
- Peter, who had been in the Garden of Gethsemane and heard the Lord pray.
- Peter, who declared that he would never deny the Lord.
- Peter, who stated he would lay down his life for Jesus had now denied him.
Not once, but three times, Peter denied Jesus. And to a servant girl.
“But the angel said, Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus
of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the
dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. Now go and tell his
disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as you did before he died.”
(Mark 16:6-7, NLT)
In these two verses, we find the grace and mercy of our Lord not only towards Peter, but to each one of us –
- Even after failing, we are still the recipients of God’s tender love.
- In the eyes of the Lord, there is no shadow of the past.
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.”
(Psalm 103:12, NLT)
“Including Peter.” Two simple words to convey how important it was for Peter to be included. To hear his very name.
Two simple words to convey that God’s love spans any distance, any sin. He will go to any length to draw us back into His circle.
As white as snow.
As far as the east is from the west.
Including Peter.
Including us.
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
What grace in that phrase, "including Peter." We've all had our moments of failing the Lord, and I am so thankful for His love and mercy in forgiving us.
ReplyDeleteThose two words move me every time. The grace and mercy of God extended towards each one of us is truly amazing. I am grateful for His forgiveness and that He included me.
DeleteSuch a beautiful post of encouragement Joanne. I know I fail my Lord too often, and to know His forgiveness and grace is so humbling.
ReplyDelete