I have a confession!
Yesterday morning, I read the story of Jesus’ betrayal. I was in awe of Jesus’ response to those who falsely accused Him.
He called Judas, his betrayer, friend. He did not retaliate. When Peter retaliated by chopping off an ear, Jesus restored the guy’s ear. When accused, Jesus did not defend.
After reading this, I longed to be more like Jesus. I want to respond graciously when accused.
But then, the very same day, the test came and I failed miserably. I got an email from a parent demanding I complete something by a certain date or she would contact my principal. My response, let’s just say, lacked grace. (I don’t like bullies or to be threatened.)
In this interaction, I discovered, I am still more like Peter than I am like Jesus. My first response was to cut off an ear rather than heal. Like Peter, my response did not seek to restore and extend grace. My response sought to defend and retaliate.
But like Peter, I immediately regretted my actions. You see, when we take matters in our own hands, we demonstrate a denial of Jesus’ power to protect and defend us. We do not exemplify the love of Jesus well.
I repented.
Praise the Lord, God is God – Forgiving, gracious, merciful, quick to teach. As He restored Peter, He restored me. As He reminded Peter, his lapse in faith did not alter His destiny, He reminded me.
Friends, have you ever reacted like Peter in a situation? Tried to fight your own battle? Sought to vindicate yourself? Denied the power of God to protect you? Take heart, my friends. Now is the perfect opportunity to run into the arms of the Lord. Allow him to kiss your boo boo, remind you of the forgiveness He has already secured, lovingly correct you, and assure you that you ARE still His child.
We all sometimes act like a Peter but Glory be to God, Jesus is always a loving Savior.
“So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.” Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear. “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly?”
Matthew 26:49-53 NLT