Sunday 7 April, 2019

36 Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” 37 Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!

How much better does Jesus know us than we know ourselves? We try and do what we think is the right thing, at least we say we do but when it comes to the crunch how connected are we to what God wants us to do. Jesus knew Peter’s fragility. He knows ours too. Even though we have moments where we do the wrong thing or the not helpful thing, God can still use us. Jesus was right, Peter had a moment of bad choice. It was a pretty big moment but still a moment. God still used Peter throughout his life. God wants us to know we have a chance with Him. He knows our fragility, He knows our distractions, He understands we don’t always react well to challenges. He is also willing to forgive us every time we return to Him.

Lord God, thank you that you forgave Peter even in the midst of a very poor choice and that you do that for us too. Help us to believe you when you say you give us second chance (or many chances). Thank you that you want us to be part of your plans, thank you that you place us in community and that you want us to bring your love to those around us. Help us do that every day. Amen

Written by Therese Manning