Three Times

“The Apostle Peter” by Rembrandt (1632), Source http://www.pubhist.com (PD-Art, PD-Age-100)

The Lord when He restored Peter after the Resurrection asked three times, “Do you love Me?” Scripture tells us that Peter was grieved to be asked this often to attest to his devotion. Each time, however, he replied in the affirmative.

Heavy with regret at his denials of the Lord prior to the crucifixion, Peter may have thought that he was being mocked. In fact, the Lord was extending forgiveness to Peter. Just as Peter had denied the Lord three times, so he was afforded the opportunity to affirm the Lord three times. Such is the amazing mercy of the Lord.

We, like Peter, at times fail when put to the test. We lose heart. We lose hope. We fall short, despite our best intentions. We give in to temptation or despair.

Yet the Lord stands ready to forgive. May we take Peter as our example.

“He [Peter] said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You’ ” (John 21: 15).

Lord Jesus, You know that we love You. Over and over again, we stumble and fall. But we love You, Lord, and – unworthy though we are – we know You love us.

These are difficult times for us, Lord. We are tested in unexpected ways. We face ethical dilemmas no other generation could have imagined, and are challenged to be the light amidst great darkness.

Lead us, Lord. Give us the strength to go on, and the faith to answer Your call as Peter did. Yes! Yes! Yes!

Amen

READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse  https://avoicereclaimed.com