Peter’s Forgiveness
Thank the Lord that in spite of Peter's flaws, which we spoke of yesterday, there was forgiveness on offer for Peter.
Jesus knew Peter was a flawed and foolish man. But He didn't write him off. Because of Peter's foundation - his faith in Jesus - his flaws didn't destroy him.
Do you hear this, friends? Peter's foundation was stronger than his flaws!
When Your Foundation Is Stronger Than Your Failures
Even though he'd messed up, still he ran to Jesus and fell at His feet in worship. Doing this, he received Jesus' forgiveness.
I love this passage in John 21, where Jesus - now risen from the dead - asks Peter if he loves Him. Peter assures Jesus that he does. His foundation is strong, in spite of his flaws. We read: "Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!" (John 21:17-19)
Follow me! You're not done. You're not out of my grace. You've still got a place in my mission. Follow me!
Ordinary, flawed Peter is redeemed by Jesus.
The Invitation to Return to Jesus
Don't let your flaws and failures keep you away from Jesus, friends. Maybe you've messed up, strayed, sinned, denied Him. Come back to Him!
If you will sit with Jesus, with your foundation - your faith - still intact, He offers forgiveness and redemption. Even for ordinary people like Peter, and like you and me.
Peter's repeated failures didn't disqualify him from Jesus' love or mission - his foundation of faith proved stronger than all his flaws. Come back to Jesus today, no matter how far you've strayed.