In MT 17, Jesus takes 3 (only 3) disciples with him to a high mountain, and to an experience they would never forget! They couldn’t have dreamed of something this big – even for a bucket list! It was terrifying – an unforgettable encounter!
So it’s baffling when only days later Peter is conflicted in a fearful moment, and declares “I do not know him!’ What purpose could be rescued from this failure?!?
Dismal failure tore at Peter! He went out and wept bitterly. The man who was so emphatic, “I will never deny you” – denied him. It happened. It happened so quick. From pinnacle to pit! One moment, he was privy to otherworldly things – things no human had ever seen! Now he is cut to the core. Crushed in the valley of shame, confusion, guilt, depression and despair. Oh for men whose passion for Jesus brings them to tears when they fail and sin!
We know Peter’s story, but refining moments do not always happen! Failure is painful! Guaranteed.
Three days later, the women broke the news of resurrection (LK 24). And the record is, “they (the disciples) did not believe the women because their words seemed like nonsense. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb… “He examined it and went away, wondering to himself what had happened.”
Later, as the disciples ate together, Jesus entered the room BODILY. He ate with them, clearing away all doubts of the women’s report. The unbelief of the group evaporated, but lingering on in Peter’s mind was the haunting voice of failure; and the question, ‘how could things ever again be back like before? It dogged his steps and mocked him.
John 21 picks up the story: that same evening Peter – still guilt ridden – said “I’m going out to fish.” Several pals joined in and went out fishing as well. They caught nothing all night.
Early the next morning, “Jesus stood on the shore and shouted, ‘Friends haven’t you caught any fish’?” He called again, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat.” They did so and were unable to haul the net in for the large number of fish. Then John said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” and “As soon as Peter heard him say it, he jumped into the water…”
Here is Hope running to Jesus; and failure is about to be rescued! Oh the joy of restoration!
After breakfast, Jesus gets Peter aside for a one-on-one. He never mentions his own feelings, and he never mentions Peter’s failure; But reminiscent of the trio of denials, Jesus asked 3 times, “Do you love me?” Each time, Peter humbly, sorrowfully says ‘Yes’ and Jesus replies tenderly, “Take care of my sheep.”
They reached the pinnacle together, but Jesus did not leave Peter alone in the valley. No. Instead, in this hard place, Jesus said “I believe in you.” For Peter, it was a refining moment he would never forget. How do we know?
Later, as he shepherds the sheep in 2 Pet 1:15, Peter refers to this event, testifying “we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”
There are perks in a disciple’s life; there are secrets, mountains, valleys, true friendships, and yes, refining moments. The devil glories in shame; but Jesus in redemption. Refining moments teach us, as Peter found with Jesus — failure does not have to be final! For someone, it’s time to come home. To God be the glory! iOi
Skye
If your story is like Peter’s there is HOPE for revival. See here
