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You are loved. You are free. You are forgiven.
For many years our kids have been a part of an Easter musical in Indiana called THE PROMISE. Michael played baby Jesus in his first year of life and the girls have all been townspeople and angels. For 2 of our years here in Georgia I have driven the girls back to Indiana so they could still be a part of this production. I love how being a part of THE PROMISE has etched so many scenes of Jesus’ life in my and the kids’ minds.
This “scene” of Peter denying Jesus is one that stands out to me every year. Throughout the production, Peter is portrayed as being joyful, passionate and sold out for Jesus. He seems the least likely to deny him, yet he does. When faced with the question, “You! You were with him,” Peter quickly denies it. Peter seems angry and afraid that the servant girl would point him out. He goes on to deny being with Jesus 2 more times.
The rest of the story unfolds and Jesus is crucified and buried. I wonder what Peter thinks at this point. Does he think he made the right decision by not owning up to being with Jesus for fear of suffering the same death? Does Peter greatly regret the denial of his dear friend whom he believed to be the Messiah? Does he struggle with sleep robbing guilt?
As we fast forward in THE PROMISE, we come to the last scene where Jesus has resurrected and is now appearing to some of his followers. It’s a scene of great joy and celebration. We see Peter hanging back with fear and doubt in his eyes. He’s doubting if Jesus wants to see him. He’s doubting if he will be forgiven. He’s thinking he’s crossed the line, screwed up too much. (How many times have you felt like this?) Then you see Jesus and Peter lock eyes. There is love and forgiveness in Jesus’ eyes. He runs to Peter and they lock in a hug. At that moment I think Peter understands why Jesus died. He became the perfect and final sacrifice to wipe away our sins. Even sins we think are too big. This isn’t true just for Peter, but also for me and you. To all of us Jesus says: You are loved. You are free. You are forgiven.
“There is no pit, no hole, so deep that God’s love is not deeper still…” (Corrie ten Boom) Thank you, Jesus.
God’s love will prevail. Praise the Lord. My mind went to yesterdays sermon when Alan said it is those closest to us that can cause the hurt, the yuck and ugh of church. Peter was close to Jesus and hurt him, denied Him. Peter then was afraid the relationship was broken forever. Jesus went to Peter and restored the relationship. We may not ever find a church were stuff doesn’t happen but I hope we are a church where forgiviness happens and reconsilitation happens.
Peter is a wonderful reminder in those tough emotional moments when we need forgiveness.
I am reminded that wholeness of relationship requires forgiveness and love.
Thank you, Sherry for opening up the word.
And what a great picture!
Wow – thank you Sherry for sharing.
I know that I am human and I know that God forgives, but I knowing and belileving are two different things. I, like so many others, have not really seen the love of an earthy Father so I struggle with this option. I am getting closer.
Dear God, please open my heart to your love and forgiveness.
love you, dear!
Sherry…thanks for the powerful and much needed reminder of the depth of God’s love and relationship with us. Thanks for sharing from your heart and your experience…love it.
God – Please help me live a life marked by resting in Your love, Your freedom, and Your forgiveness!
Sherry,
Thank you for these words of truth…we are loved, we are free, we are forgiven!
Truth is truth even when we choose not to believe it.
Father, help us to live this way in our relationships with other people.
Amen