I'm thankful to Brandon for sharing those thoughts with us. Peter is one of my favorite Bible characters. Tonight's lesson actually falls right in line with some things I've considered lately.
You see recently it occurred to me how thankful I am scripture records the conversation between Peter and Jesus regarding forgiveness. Do you remember that? The conversation occurs in Matthew 18:21 -22:
"Then Peter came up and said to Him, "Lord how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times? Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." (ESV) I'm sure Peter thought he was being rather generous when he said seven times. I have a feeling Christ blew the apostles away when he said seventy seven.
I'm thankful for this conversation because it helps me understand the mercy of our Lord. He is such a loving and forgiving Savior. He wanted His disciples to be like Him -- to learn from Him and love like Him and follow His ways.
Christ didn't want Peter to put a limit on forgiveness. Now that's something to think about.
It's something to think about especially in the context of all the ups and downs Peter had in his life. So many times he tried to do the right thing -- but he would mess up. Jesus would correct him -- and (praise God), Peter would try again. Jesus didn't give up on Peter. And Peter never stopped trying. That is what we have to be willing to do ... keep on trying.
It is also something to think about within the context of the conversation between Peter and Jesus when Christ predicts Peter's betrayal. Consider Luke 22:31-34:
"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Peter said to Him, Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death." Jesus said, 'I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me." (ESV)
It probably made Peter feel very sad to hear Jesus say these words to him. Really -- think about this .. Jesus says, Peter - the devil wants you. But I have prayed for you. He encourages Peter by saying - when you have turned again strengthen your brothers.
Peter response is quick - in essence he says, Uh-huh - not me, Lord. Satan is not going to get me. I will follow you. Even if it means I must die I will follow you." It is then that Jesus makes His fateful prediction of Peter's denial. I'm sure Peter didn't believe it would ever happen. Peter wanted to be faithful. After all, Peter was the one who drew his sword in defense of His Lord. He was ready to fight .... but then within a few hours the rooster crowed -- and well, we all know what had already happened in between.
But Christ told Peter "seventy seven times." And He said -- "I have prayed for you." AND He said "when you turn again, strengthen your brothers." Christ loved Peter. He believed in him - in his potential to do great things for the kingdom of God.
Yes, that seventy seven times is something to think about ... when Peter himself acknowledges the power of the devil and warns us -- "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
Jesus forgave Peter's stumbling many times. He never gave up on Peter. And Peter learned from his mistakes and became a strong and powerful servant of His Lord Jesus whom he loved so much.
Seventy seven times? Yes!
Did the devil want Peter? Most certainly.
Do you think Jesus really prayed for Peter? Absolutely.
Did Peter turn again to Christ? Oh yes he did.
And finally did he strengthen his brothers? Definitely.
That conversation about forgiveness -that seventy seven times -- is something to think about in so many ways. It makes me think of myself and all the times I've stumbled. It helps me realize the love of Christ.
While this conversation is ultimately about us forgiving each other - over and over again (and that is a very important lesson pertaining to our salvation) it still shows us the forgiving nature of our Lord and Savior. Look at how often He forgave Peter -- and the other apostles for that matter.
Again, it is something to think about in the context of the power of the devil ....how badly he wants us .... just like he wanted Peter. Christ is our Savior and our friend. Just like He was Peter's friend. Christ didn't give up on Peter and He will not give up on us either - if we are willing to "turn again." And when we do, we must not forget to "strengthen" our brothers (and sisters).
I'm so thankful the merciful generosity of our Savior .. that we are given the opportunity to repent and turn to Christ ... to learn from our mistakes ... to know that He loves us enough to forgive us as long we are willing to follow Him. And yes, I'm thankful for that conversation that took place so long ago....
I'm thankful Jesus said "seventy seven times."
Aren't you?
Christ above all things,
Robin
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