Oh, Did I mention This Part?

“Immediately a rooster crowed.

Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken:

“Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

And he went outside and wept bitterly.”

Matthew 26:74b-75

 

Yesterday we looked at Peter’s vehement claim to never deny Jesus.

Then we read of Jesus’ forgiving Peter and commissioning him to “Feed my sheep.”

But today’s text reveals for us a vital step that came in between those two events.

We are told that Peter “…remembered the word Jesus had spoken.”

Jesus was not with him to speak those words.

He was recalling the word already spoken.  

Today the Holly Spirit is given to believers an one of His roles is to remind us of the words Jesus spoke.

He brings conviction to our hearts, just as He did with Peter.

I believe Peter wept bitterly at his own failure.

 I also believe that it the Holy Spirit who reminded Peter of Jesus words at that very moment.

Peter road from offense to forgiveness went through that crucial step of repentance.

I believe Peter was forgiven as he wept bitterly, having recognized his own failure.

I believe that when Jesus spoke with Peter after the resurrection He was affirming that forgiveness that had already been extended to Peter.

Our walk with God is no different.

We too move from offense to forgiveness by way of repentance.

We too, are reminded of Gods’ word and have an opportunity before us.

The proud heart refuses to recognize our guilt and is unwilling to repent.

The humble heart says “Lord, forgive me I have sinned.”

Lord:

May we be sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Help us to see, understand and respond to the conviction He brings.

May we be quick to repent and walk in obedience to you.

This we ask in Jesus Name.

Amen!