Peter, James and John formed an executive of sorts of the disciples that closely followed Jesus when He was on earth and they shared some very special times and ministry experiences with Him.
John instinctively knew God's love for him - he wrote about it often.
Peter knew it too, but had to go through a dreadful experience to be sure of it.
Not long after declaring that Jesus was the Messiah and watching the crowds celebrating Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, Peter assured Jesus that no matter what happened there, he would stand by his Messiah, even to the point of death.
Disastrously, Peter did not keep his promise. He denied even knowing Jesus when the real pressure was on. In fact he denied knowing Jesus three times - hardly a careless once-off slip.
Jesus was crucified and buried and three days later rose from the dead.
According to Mark's record, three women went to Jesus' tomb and discovered Jesus no longer there. An angel told them He had risen and that they were to go and report this to the disciples and Peter.
Have you ever wondered why Peter was singled out? He was already included in "the disciples" the angel referred to, so why was special mention made of him?
I think the angel was saying, "Tell the disciples everything is OK. Jesus is risen. And especially tell Peter, his failure to stand by Jesus has had no permanent effect. Tell him it's all OK."
John recorded the time later on when Jesus personally caught up with Peter. Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him and three times Jesus reinstated and recommissioned Peter to ministry in the future - once for each time Peter denied knowing Him.
That ministry commenced a few weeks later on the Day of Pentecost. Peter's first sermon in the new Christian era, accompanied by a spectacular show of God's presence and power, saw God adding 3000 to those being saved at that time.
Regardless of Peter's previous performance, Jesus showed He still loved him, and was prepared to trust the beginnings of the Christian era to his leadership.
God loves us even when we fail Him. God is faithful to us even when we are not faithful to him.
The Bible shows us over and over that God is always in the reinstating, restoring and recommissioning business. Even for those who have previously denied Him.
That's the sort of God I can worship and serve.
Blessings, Barry
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