When most of us think about Jesus's prayer in Gethsemane, we think about how He prayed so fervently for "this cup" to pass Him by, referring to the horrible pain and suffering that the next several hours would dish up to Him.
But did you notice that when He came back to talk to Peter, James, and John, He said He had earnestly prayed that they wouldn't fall into temptation?
These three were probably the ones He trusted most and felt the closest to. The ones probably least likely to "fall into temptation." What kind of temptation do you think He meant?
He already knew Peter would deny Him, so that might not have been what the Lord meant. Or maybe it was.
I view temptation as a deep, dark pit, one that is difficult to climb back out of. Yes, Peter denied Him and felt overwhelming guilt--but Peter quickly climbed back out and with deep repentance again followed the Lord. Judas fell in and also felt the deep sorrow, but he didn't climb back out.
Maybe Peter's fall wasn't as far as Judas's fall? Or is repentance different from just being sorry you did something you shouldn't have?
Repentance indicates you intend not to make that mistake again. Sorrow might just indicate you regret you did it but realize you might just do the same thing again, should the opportunity arise.
I'm not privy to Peter's and Judas's minds, so I don't know. All I know for sure is that Peter grew stronger after his repentance. Judas? Well, Judas gave up.
Where do you fit? Will you use your failures as stepping stones to being a better Christ-follower, or will you sink deeper into the pit? It's pretty much up to you.
2 comments:
I like Peter have fallen quite far, but I have also repented more than just felt sorrow and done a complete turn around. I was always taught repentance is doing a 180 degree turn. You leave the way you are headed and turn completely around and back. Does that mean you will never fall again. I don't think so, but I do think you will not simply continue to live in that "sin" or constantly give into that tempation. You will have a genuine desire to change and live differently. My young ones are constantly bickering... and although they always say "sorry" in an hour or two they are at it again. I am not sure true repentance is at hand ... and sometimes it takes maturity to keep from doing the same thing over and over. Growing in Christ. Well... guess I wrote my own post. LOL Have a great Saturday! :-)
Agreed, Amy. Isn't it the greatest thing that He forgives us over and over?
~Anne
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