Pride always goes before any spiritual fall, and, unfortunately, it’s often the one who thinks he is the greatest that falls the furthest. As well, it seems pride causes us to stumble perpetually. Despite all the warnings of pride’s danger, humanity continues to be tripped by it over and over again. Pride itself convinces us that it can’t happen to us personally. Simon Peter is an excellent example of this sinking thinking.
We can see Peter’s pride in the Upper Room during Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. Jesus gathers his closest followers together, and He informs the group that one of them will betray Him. The gathering’s response is bewildering. But, almost immediately, they divulge into a conversation about who is the greatest among them.
Nothing much has changed among Jesus’ followers. There is still betrayal in our midst, yet we continue to argue about who deserves the most recognition, likes, views, or fame. It happens in churches, workplaces, and even in our families.
As I revisit Luke’s account of the events that were transpiring, I can’t help but wonder if Simon Peter was winning the debate that night because it seems that amidst the argument about greatness, Jesus singles Peter out as the one who would fall soon.
The FALL
Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times. So Peter went out and wept bitterly.” -Luke 22:59-62 (NKJV)
Simon Peter proceeds to deny Jesus three times. Only when he hears the rooster crowing in the background that he fully understands what Jesus was trying to tell him. Can you relate to Simon Peter? Have you ever experienced what you were warned would happen because you ignored every warning?
If so, just like Simon Peter remembered what Jesus had told him when the rooster crowed, aren’t you glad you have a history with God? Thankfully, He helps us remember what He has spoken, and from his Word, the work of the Holy Spirit brings conviction into our life. The tears of repentance in failure give way to the joy of restoration.
But, something we can’t miss about Peter’s story is that he was only given the opportunity for restoration because he was not immediately incarcerated.
When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword? And one of them (Peter) struck the high priest’s servant (Malchus) and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear and healed him. -Luke 22:49-51 (NKJV)
When the army had come to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter had already become his fall from Godly character when he arose in anger and cut the ear off of Malchus’ the High Priest’s servant. This sinful act was punishable by death. Yet, Peter was never arrested. Why? Because Jesus destroyed the evidence! This action is remarkable because in doing this, Jesus is saving Simon Peter’s life! Had this moment not happened, there may have been four crosses on Calvary, not just three. Despite what the servant may have accused, Jesus destroyed the evidence of the fall!
We have all been under attack. And many of us may have fallen. In fact, we have all fallen at one point or another. Scripture clearly says, “we have all sinned, and we all come up short of the glory of God.” And “Anyone who denies this is a liar.” But the incredible thing about our God is that He takes everything the enemy meant for evil and uses it for our good! God transforms us, just like He did Simon Peter on the other side of his fall!
Simon Peter went on to become an outstanding servant of Christ. He had to be sifted, churned, and shaken so that every particle that did not belong in him could be broken. But on the other side, he preached a 10-minute sermon that saved 3,000 lives, and he demonstrated great faith in adversity! He knew that Jesus would not fail him.
We should praise God for the sifting happening in our lives because the fall can’t prevail. God wants to bring you into a period of restoration! Jesus is faithful and just to forgive you if you confess your sins. He not only forgives, but He forgets. The blood of Jesus wipes away the fall.
You can have a meaningful life despite the attack.
You can have a meaningful life despite the fall.
You can have a meaningful life because of God’s power of restoration.
We have a God who is willing to destroy the evidence! Let Him in. He is ready to heal whatever you’ve torn up.
Simon Peter’s ups and downs serve as an inspiring example of the relationship we can have with God. DESPITE falling, the beauty of God’s true restoration can be manifest in each of our lives.
I invite you to view this message in its entirety at this link: https://youtu.be/6bd3yscBYWw
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