Resolution and Determination

Peter left everything to follow Jesus.

Peter had a front row seat to Jesus’ many miracles and inspirational teachings about a more abundant way to live – living in the light of God’s Kingdom. Jesus loved Peter and entrusted to the former Galilean fisherman special leadership responsibilities that the others acknowledged and respected.

The Jerusalem courtyard that dreadful night might as well have been a dark corner into which Peter felt placed and trapped. Not once, not twice, but three times Peter furiously denies that he even knows Jesus. In declaring as much, Peter denies the true and lasting meaning of his own life; he compromises his character which is seen in his identity with Jesus as His apostle. The hopes Peter harbored for a different way of living now and forever were obliterated in an instant by fear and insecurity.

Peter’s story is familiar to us in deeper and more personal ways than a gripping biblical tale. Fears and insecurities do not discriminate. When paired to human weakness sin easily follows. It is essential, therefore, to be resolute in our longing for God’s grace. Let us mark this week the holiest one in the year by means of an especially fierce determination to avoid sin and to draw closer to Christ Jesus whose own suffering and death are resolutely embraced for us and our salvation.

 

Gerrit-van-Honthorst

 

Like this article? Share it!