Matthew 26: 32-35 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you,” And all the other disciples said the same.
When I think of the title for the series of devotionals for this week “Broken Trust” and try to put a name to that situation, the Disciple Peter comes to mind. In contemporary language, Peter went from hero to zero in a matter of hours. However, to stop there would only tell half of the story. The rest of the story, as they say, is the greatest story of restoration. Hold onto that thought for a bit.
When we set out to honor someone we ofttimes try to emulate their behavior or ideals. For example, a foundation may be established in the name of a departed famous person with the goal of continuing the charitable works of the one being honored. The noble goal of continuing to serve as the honoree would serve stands at the forefront of all they set out do. In some, but not all cases the new leaders stray from the path they first out to follow. Greed, ambition are often the causes of scandals that tear apart these organizations and bring dishonor upon the namesake of the organization. A trust is broken. And trust once broken is seldom restored in human terms.
Fortunately we have a loving God our Father. The commandments given in the covenant by God to Moses on the mountain that are so frequently broken by each of us would in the absence of His profound love mean death and eternal suffering for everyone. We each and every one of us dishonors our Father because we incapable of not sinning. If not for the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ we all would be toast. But Thank God For Jesus Christ! Each of us is restored just as Peter was restored by Jesus. The rest of that story is found in John 21:15-18. Take some time this week to read that marvelous story of restoration and love. You can find the encouragement to accept the love of Christ when you make the mistake you fear could permanently separate you from the love of God. The hope we grasp onto that comes from the empty cross and empty tomb stands strong today, tomorrow, the next day and on until Christ returns to fulfill His promise. We who are the recipient of the Grace of God must remember that in spite of ourselves we are loved and cherished. Please accept that unconditional love in your lives. And share that good news with those who do not yet have that hope.
PRAYER: Lord, You love us, in spite of who we are and what we do. Your unconditional love can be difficult to accept at times. Help us to have the faith we need to remember Your love and to remove the doubt that such love is given freely to all who love Your Son. Amen
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