Restored

 Having arguments with loved ones is one of those things that can really put a big, dark cloud over one's head, isn't it? Unresolved disagreements can linger there forever, often becoming the proverbial "elephant in the room."  The issues don't even have to be huge or super serious to cause a break in relationships.  Now, if the issue involves a betrayal by one of the parts...well...you may as well forget it.  It would take a miracle for that relationship to be fully restored.

That's exactly what happened between Jesus and Peter.  In John 18: 15-27 we see how Peter disowns and denies Jesus 3 times just like Jesus had predicted.  I can only imagine how the human heart of Jesus must have felt when He witnessed His dearest friend, the leader among His inner circle, blatantly denying any connections.  I would dare to guess that in Jesus' humanity, knowing it would happened wasn't as devastating as seeing it happening in front of Him.  I wonder if Jesus' human logic might have held a spec of hope that Peter wouldn't do it...only to be completely crushed by the time the rooster crowed...sigh...

How does Peter ever get over that?  How does he move on from such an epic fail?  How does one ever forgive self after something this monumental?

This can only be accomplished by the power and miraculous Hand of Jesus, The One Who Makes All Things New!

After the resurrection, that morning Jesus made breakfast for the disciples, after all have gotten their fill, Jesus called Peter aside for a heart to heart.  I wonder what Peter must have felt.  Ashamed?  Afraid?  Unworthy to be sitting and eating with the Resurrected Lord he had just betrayed a few days ago?  All of the above?

But Jesus, in His infinite love, took Peter for a walk, not to incriminate him, recriminate him, accuse him, belittle him...no, of course not.  Jesus in a display of compassion and patience didn't even bring the subject up directly.  That was not the point.  Jesus knew He didn't have to do that because Peter was already carrying that thorn in his heart without any help from anyone.  Jesus' intention was to remove that thorn and restore His friend so he could do the kingdom work laid out for him.

In John 21: 15-25 three times Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him more than "these"...one for each time Peter denied Him.  Each time, Peter says yes.  With embarrassment and with a convicted heart, Peter knows what this is about...but neither of them says it.  "Feed my lambs," "take care of my sheep," "feed my sheep" and "follow me,"  those are Jesus' instructions for Peter.  Those are the words of his installation as the leader of what's to come.  Those are the words of restauration for a bleeding heart seeking to be healed by His wounds.

That is the miracle of redemption:  The restoring power of The Word who makes us whole again.

May we remember this as we continue to walk on this valley of tears.  The Hope of the redeeming power of Christ lives regardless of our infidelities.  When we are weak, He is strong. When we are deceitful, He is faithful.  When we walk away from Him, He calls us back.  When we are lost, He finds us.  When we deny Him, He redeems us.  Praise the Lord, Alleluia! Amen!