THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Lord, your apostle and good buddy, Peter, battled his humanity to keep his flesh in check.  Even though a lot of what he said was bluff, he liked to boast. Was he impulsive? Peter could have written the book on impulsiveness. But try as he may, his words caused him to step in it time and again.

During your arrest, he thoughtlessly claimed before all your followers he would die for you. All these others may flake out, Jesus, but I’m sticking with you. You can count on me to be “Jesus strong!”

Did you have divine restraint not to roll your eyes at Peter’s statement? Your kind and gentle response is what we should model. Scripture records no scolding. No finger pointing. Maybe you put your soon-to-be nail-scarred hand on Boastful Peter’s shoulder when you told him before the rooster crows in the morning, you will deny me three times.

We must ask: how did Boastful Peter devolve into Remorseful Peter so quickly? Did the devil pile on to Peter’s guilt with a case of the “if only’s”?

If only I’d remained a nameless fisherman on the Sea of Galilee  

If only I’d kept my mouth shut.

If only I hadn’t been the first to call him “Messiah.”

If only I hadn’t disgraced myself, running away before they crucified him.

If only I had a chance to tell him I’m sorry.

If only … if only … if only.

The quiet conversations in the room were interrupted when the door flew open, and Mary rushed into the room. In our confusion, we heard her breathlessly repeat “Jesus is alive.” She’d seen and talked to him. Spotting Peter, she made a beeline to him. “Jesus told me to personally tell you he is alive and will see you soon” (Mark 16:7). Most rejoiced, joining Mary’s excitement. Others, however, appeared skeptical of Mary’s claim.

Peter and John ran to the tomb to see for themselves. The massive stone was rolled to the side, the tomb empty. They returned to their friends and confirmed the tomb was indeed empty.

Peter quietly sat for several hours, stunned, and pondering what all this meant that Jesus was alive. From out of nowhere, Jesus appeared in front of Peter. “Peace be unto you, Peter,” Jesus said.

Jesus restored Peter and satisfied all his “If only” questions.

Lord, deal with that “If Only Peter Syndrome” in me, so I may understand the heights, depths, and vastness of your grace and mercy.

Amen, Jesus.