The disciples were riddled with amibition and anger and angst just like you and me. I mean, Peter was so angry he even cut off the soldier's ear. Luke 22:50.
Then, three times, Peter denies even knowing Christ. Immediately, while Peter is still speaking, the rooster crows and "the LORD turns around and looks at Peter." Luke 22:61. There are looks and then there are looks. That look to Peter held so much grace. Jesus looked at the high priests and those officers who mocked Him but His Look had no impact on them. It did on Peter---Peter wept bitterly. Repentant tears. When Jesus turns His Eyes to us, do we turn back to Him? What about our tears? Are they tears from a turn? Repentant tears?
There's a statue of The Denial near the House of Caiphas in Jerusalem. The inscription on the stone reads: "Jesus was not my friend."
Yesterday's post was on prayer. I left a request for each of you there. Look back to yesterday's post and leave a written prayer for a friend!
ReplyDeleteYour last commment of the house that said "Jesus was not my friend" gave me chills. Imagine that, not only denying him but putting it on your house! Shocking, and sad beyond words.
ReplyDeleteI want everyone to know Jesus is my friend, He lives in my heart and in my home.
I only imagine the look that was in Jesus' eyes when he turned and looked at Peter and the grief and sorrow that then came into Peter's heart and soul. Oh, my. Tears of sorrow and repentance followed...healing tears...oh, for a tender heart that will stay turned toward the Lord till I draw my last breath. Thank you LORD, for showing us in the Bible what it is You desire of us. Thank YOU, for allowing me to see that tenderness in the hearts of the all the precious women who post on this blog....
ReplyDeleteMy parents had very different disciplining styles. Probably because my mother was alone with us a good deal of the time, she had a way of ranting similar to most moms, but my dad could accomplish with one look far more in bringing us to quick repentance. He simply looked disappointed and sad, and that crushed me. He didn't look angry or even scolding. It was pure disheartened sadness. I can only imagine when Love Himself looks us in the eye--what will we feel? Up to this day in my life, I would feel so much sadness that i haven't done more for His Kingdom, that at times, I have denied Him, and my own skin wasn't at stake like Peter's. Peter is a good example for us, (because we all fall) to heartfully repent and turn back to the One Who yet loves us.
ReplyDeleteFriday afternoon I am going to face someone in court who has betrayed me. (But it isn't life or death!) I am anxious to put some things behind me, but I just need to look this guy straight in his eyes one more time to see if he decides to tell the truth or tell a lie. I don't think I'll even blink. I'm so disappointed. I just don't want to cry. Todays reading was WAY to close to home and I'm sure it wasn't an accident that I read it now. When Jesus looks at me I hope He isn't disappointed because of unforgiveness. Ouch!
ReplyDeleteOh Angie, your comment grabs me so! I will pray for you this week and especially Friday afternoon. Your pearls can't be in the courtroom with you but your Savior is. And you know it! And you will know it! And Psalm 3:3 - HE will lift your head high as you walk in that courtroom. And from what we all have experienced here in knowing you over the years, I think of Luke 18:2 that so captured me---We ought to always pray and not lose heart...and the word "pray" in the Greek means "to long" for Him. And we see you longing for the Beautiful God that so lives and pours out of you. And He is looking at you not because of your behavior but because of your beautiful heart of repentance and surrender to the One you adore! He's all over you, Ang! Hold fast to Him!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bev! xoxo
ReplyDelete