A few days ago as I was contemplating the amazing thought that some of
His chosen (elect) could turn against Christ, I remembered that the
disciple Peter denied Christ. I have seen and heard many teachings about
Peter's failure but at that moment, God asked me: "Where were the other
eleven?" Well, Judas was facing the consequences of his betrayal of
Christ and I suppose the others were fulfilling the scripture that Jesus
quoted to them:
Mark 14:27 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble
because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the
Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered.'
Suddenly it hit me what He was saying - Peter was the courageous one
of the disciples as measured by the flesh. Some might mock him for
wavering in faith but he was the only one who had the courage to step
out of the boat to go to Christ. He was the only one trying to follow
Christ to the cross in the strength of his flesh. But why is that
important? Jesus said this:
Luke 22:32 "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail;
and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."
The greater depth of Peter's failure in his own eyes and therefore of
his restoration would make him more able to help the other disciples
who also failed that test! All of the disciples received the outpouring
of the Holy Spirit a few weeks later but it was Peter who gave the
historic recorded message beginning the building of Christ's new born
church. What does that mean for me? Even if I have the boldness and
dedication of Peter which is far beyond that of most followers, I WILL
fail Christ when I am moving in my own strength! It is the nature of
even the strongest flesh. Praise God who alone gives us the divine life
and strength to overcome all things!