Peter's Promises
2004
(Matthew 26:33-35)

"Though all men should be offended of thee, yet will I never be offended." Such brave words spoken from one who was about to fail miserably! Peter believed in himself - even while he was confessing Christ as his Lord. He thought his good motives would lead him on to victory. But Jesus knew Peter better than he knew himself. He saw through the bold words into the cowardice heart..."Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice."

"Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee." So valiantly spoken! But Peter not only would deny the one he professed to love more than his own life, but is seen here contradicting the very Word of God!

How often we, as Peter, speak great swelling words of devotion to our King, unaware of the deceitfulness that schemes in our own heart, waiting to betray our confession. How many times do we find ourselves, as Peter, thrown down in our faith, weak and afraid, unable to meet the challenge that God has placed before us? "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." (Jer. 10:23)

The essence of our malady springs from a heart in condradiction with God. We can trace it back to the beginning where we believed the lie..."Ye shall not surely die...Ye shall be as gods.." (Gen. 3:4-5) We have been infected with a self-determining desire to proudly trust in ourselves.

Peter's promises, to do what he could not fulfill, leave us with a solemn reminder that our good intentions do not always culminate in the service of God. His confessions show us that it is possible to receive inspiration from God one day - "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:16-17) and be inspired by satan the next - "Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee..." "Get thee behind me, satan." (vs. 22-23) Peter's love for Christ was genuine, vibrant, and well intended. But high and noble motives do not always prove a reliable guide in the Christian life.

The good news is that there is a promise which cannot fail, a word of hope standing fast as a bulwark over our ever-present weakness. It is the Word of God to Peter...and to us..."I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not... (Luke 22:31-32) The daily, faithful intercession of the Lord Himself continues to uphold us with an everlasting fortitude that cannot be overthrown. In all of our weaknesses, it is His strength which secures us in the Father's hand (John 10:29) and lifts us up repeatedly from the places where we have fallen.

To God be the glory!