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Day 94 Luke 22:55-62 Luke 22:55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. 57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. 60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou say. And immediately, while he yet spoke, the cock crew. 61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. Have you done something you deeply regret? Did you commit the action believing you wouldn’t do such a thing? Peter told Jesus he was willing to die and go to prison with him before they left the Upper Room. Jesus told Peter he would deny him. Several hours later Peter denied Jesus three times. As soon as he did, Jesus turned to look at him and Peter ran out of the temple courtyard weeping bitterly. We have regrets in life, and perhaps your regrets aren’t as regrettable as Peter’s was. Yet you still feel shame for what you did and what it caused you. As Peter ran out of the courtyard, weeping, he forgot what Jesus told him at the same time Jesus told him he would deny knowing him. Jesus told him, he prayed for Peter that he would not lose faith and when converted, he would strengthen his brethren. It’s hard to remember details when you do something so terrible you believe there is no forgiveness for your actions. As Christians, you know Jesus forgave Peter, and Peter became one of the pillars of the church. He also wrote two books of the New Testament. John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, love thou me more than these? He said unto him, Yea, Lord; thou know that I love thee. He said unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He said to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, love thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou know that I love thee. He said unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He said unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, love thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Love thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou know all things; thou know that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girded thyself, and walked whither thou would: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou would not. 19 This spoke he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. 20 Then Peter, turning about, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betray thee? 21 Peter seeing him said to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus said unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me. No matter what your regrets, there is always forgiveness. Three times Peter denied Jesus. Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. Peter knew the reason why Jesus asked him three times if he loved him. Jesus wanted Peter to know he forgave him, and he had a purpose for Peter. No matter what your regrets, you have a purpose, and God will fulfill your purpose for His glory. Let’s pray: Father, I know there are regrets in my life, things I’ve done that aren’t pleasing to you. Thank you for loving me and forgiving me when I know I don’t deserve your love. Help me look to you for forgiveness when my soul is bitter with regret. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 25 November 2018 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay