“Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!”
I swore I’d never deny or desert you, Jesus. But when we were in the Garden and you were in such obvious and terrible anguish, I couldn’t even stay in pray for one hour after you walked away. It was like I had heavy weights on my eyelids – I couldn’t keep them open.
“Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
I should have known when you called me 'Simon' that I was in trouble. You always used my given name when I was not being Peter, the ‘rock’ that you labeled me. After I saw the soldiers grab you, I couldn’t get away from there fast enough. And later, when the servant girl recognized me, I denied knowing you out of fear that they would take me also.
Oh Lord, how unworthy I am! I turned from the very Giver of Life in a futile attempt to save myself! You, Lord, have the very words of life. You told us this would all take place, yet I was still shocked and frightened when it happened. I was walking with the very Christ, the Messiah Himself – yet I turned away.
I fled from you Lord, but you never forsook me - even at my worst. Instead, you had Mary come and tell me you had risen. You even re-established me as your Peter, never again to be Simon. Your commission to me - to all of us - is to go and tell everyone about what you’ve done and who you are. Now, you’ve returned to your heavenly home, and I live only to tell others of you Jesus, my Lord and my God.
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
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