Peter - Jesus Wants to See You!

"Go, tell His disciples - and Peter - that He is going before you into Galilee." (Mark 16:7)

Peter thought it was over! He had walked with His Master for over three years now. He lived with Him and ministered with Him. Their relationship deepened over time. It was Peter who said, "Forgive me, Lord" after first meeting Hims and seeing the fish multiply (Luke 5:8). It was Peter who saw the miracles and was invited into the inner team with Christ's ministry (Mark 5:37). It was Peter who walked on the water (Matthew 14:29). It was Peter who first recognized and discerned Jesus as the Messiah (Mark 8:29).

But then, shortly after the Last Supper with Jesus, Peter denied that he knew Christ Jesus three times. We are told that "the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, 'Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.' (Luke 22:61). And then Peter "went out and wept bitterly." (Matthew 26:62)

Many have walked with God and for a variety of reasons have fallen away. Some because of pressure from friends or relatives. Some slipped into various sorts of sin. And, as a result, many carry the same sense that Peter had here, "I have denied the One who loved me; how could He ever forgive me and receive me back?" Many thus go through life with self-condemnation and guilt, longing to get back to their relationship with a loving God.

The good news is that Jesus saw what was to take place, warned Peter, and prayed for him (Luke 22:32). After the resurrection, the angels told the disciples that Jesus wanted to meet them in Galilee, but they specifically called out that Peter was invited, too (Mark 16:7). This was good news to Peter. These were the healing words to him. Could it be that Jesus really wants me, too An I being invited back to be with Him after I've denied Him? Here was Peter's second chance. Regardless of what took place, Peter was being invited back to his friend.

Today, do you know anyone who, because of a mistake, sin, or failure, is not walking with God? Or perhaps you feel the same way, not worthy to draw back close to God. Listen, Jesus restored Peter and gave him a second chance. He's doing the same today. Do you need to be restored Find a place of prayer, and if you get real quiet, you'll hear Jesus calling your name back even as He did with Peter.

From the issue of Jubilee Journey, Living in Faith Everyday. 175 Nortech Parkway, San Jose Ca 95134. www.jubilee.org