RESTORED

Before Christ was arrested, the most outspoken of the twelve disciples boldly proclaimed his allegiance ... 

Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” 

Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” Matthew 26:31-35

But after the soldiers took his Master away we read that Peter did just that. During what seemed to be the darkest of nights, three denials came from his lips. Then, with the sound of a rooster crowing ... bitter tears fell from his bearded face as guilt and shame came over him. 

He had blatantly disowned Christ and defiled the calling on his life. Simon Peter believed he could never be restored to that position from which he fell. 

He was wrong ... 

The Book of John reveals how this woefully afflicted apostle's restoration took place after Jesus' resurrection. 

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time He said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God) And after this, He said to him, “Follow me.”

Peter had denied Christ three times ... three times he was asked 'Do you love Me?' We can only imagine the humility he felt at this purposeful inquiry ... but in that tender exchange, complete forgiveness took place. He became a great preacher of the Gospel and bravely suffered martyrdom at the hands of sinful men.

When we stumble, that same question remains for us today ... 'Do I truly love Jesus Christ?' It should cause us to wring our hearts out before the Lord, to peer into our own unworthiness, and to feel the horror of sin. 

Run to Him, allow His grace to enfold you ... be forgiven ... be 'restored'.