2 Peter 3:17-18
Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Most of us can relate to the apostle Peter–a man that was totally focused on the Lord, yet he slipped. This was a man of courage. But, too often, we focus on the the three times Peter denied knowing the Lord in the courtyard where Jesus was shamefully and unjustly tried.
The courage of Peter was seen hours before the kangaroo trial. He was the one who used a sword on the servant of the high priest. Such action could be considered suicide. But Peter was willing to die for his Master.
A few short hours after demonstrating this act of courage, Peter failed his Lord three times just as Jesus had prophesied. When he denied Jesus the third time and the cock crowed, Jesus turned and looked at Peter. I am sure that it was a look of love and forgiveness. Peter went away and wept bitter tears.
I have tried to get my mind around the courage of Peter on the one hand and the failure on the other. The only difference I can see is that he was separated from his Lord. The way to have victory is to grow in the Lord.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil