You Are Qualified
“Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.”
– Mark 14:70-72 (NIV)
Wednesday, April 05, 2023
One of the saddest parts of the Easter story occurred the night Jesus was arrested. His disciple Peter was stressed to the breaking point and fearful of the crowd. When the high priest’s servant girl accused him of being a disciple of Jesus, he denied it.
The brave disciple who had promised Jesus he would follow Him anywhere turned into a pitiful wimp. He caved in under the pressure.
Then the rooster crowed, and Peter remembered Jesus’ words: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times” (v. 72).
This could have been the end for Peter. He wept bitterly and disappeared. He never says anything else in Matthew and Mark’s Gospels. Luke says Peter went to Jesus’ tomb and found it empty. John’s is the only Gospel that explains how Peter found full restoration after his failure.
Sulking, lonely, and dejected, Peter went back to what he knew—his fishing job. He had fished all night and caught nothing. But then Jesus appeared on the shore and invited His friends to cast their nets on the right side of the boat—and they hauled in a full net of fish!
This was a divine sign that their Master still had plans to use Peter, in spite of his weakness.
Peter must have been curious when He saw the full breakfast Jesus had prepared for the disciples on the beach. How could this be? Jesus wasn’t frowning or scowling. Nor was he waiting to deliver a stern rebuke. He didn’t scold Peter or even remind him of his cowardly denial.
This amazing Savior simply invited Peter to sit with him and eat. Jesus wanted to be with his friend.
Then Jesus talked his beloved Peter through the process of healing.
Jesus had not disqualified him. Peter was not sent away as a failure. He was back in the game.
Maybe you feel you have committed the ‘unpardonable sin’, think again. If you are reading this, Jesus has not disqualified you from salvation and all, He loves you eternally.
Come just as you are, He is waiting for you and He will make you whole again and again. You are still qualified for grace and full restoration.
LET US PRAY:
Dear God Almighty, thank you for the full restoration I have in Christ.
I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour. I believe he died on the cross for my sin and was raised on the third day for my justification.
I am lifted out of the miry clay of sin, guilt, shame, and fear.
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly places of authority, grace, and power.
I am raised with Christ far above all condemnations, principalities and powers, oppression, depression, thrones, and dominions.
I am highly favored. I am the head and not the tail.
I am a child of God today and forevermore.
In Jesus’ Name
Amen.
