Redemption Stories: Peter, Paul and Mary

I’m going to do a series of shorts on the lives of Peter, Paul and Mary from the Bible.  I see quite a bit of parallel in my own life.  I’ll try to keep these short and sweet.I’m going to do a series of blog posts at http://redemptivetobacco.wordpress.com on the lives of Peter, Paul and Mary.  I see a lot of parallels in our stories… not the “on this rock” part or writing a ton of the NT, but in their lives and the redemption seen in it.

Luke 22:31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.33 Peter said to him, Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.34 Jesus said, I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me. Here is what I see…

1.  Simon, Simon.  The disciples had just got finished arguing over who was the greatest in the kingdom.  How often do we do that?  Then, just a few lines later, Jesus says “Simon, Simon”. **I hear him saying “Mike, Mike”.  It is the tone that strikes me.  It seems to be the one where you say to your kids — not in condemnation — but one where you are communicating “you just don’t get it.”

2.  Satan demanded to have you.  Jesus knew of Satan’s demands on everyone.  That was why he went to the cross.  As John Newton Put it, “to break the power of canceled sin.”  Jesus canceled Peter’s sin, on a cross where he bore his sin.  Peter stood, even before the denial a redeemed and forgiven child of God. ** The canceled sin still effects each of us, (me in a big way) but His power can break it. Satan has demanded me and Jesus has prayed that my faith would not fail.  However, my faith has fallen.  I, like Peter, have denied Christ in my own selfish ways.

3.  Jesus has already prayed for him.  Jesus wasn’t surprised.  Jesus knew this was going to happen.  He was calm and in full control.  At the same time, Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail.  Here is where it gets interesting. ** Do I really think Jesus is surprised when I mess up?  Is he really taken off guard when I deny his leading and follow my own.  We are talking about the one the created the universe.  It confounds me, but God is not surprised when I fall, yet his Grace leads me on.  His grace and intercession makes sure that a “failure” is a step forward to an increased faith in His faithfulness.  Jesus knew I was going to fail.  Jesus knows I am going to fail.  But he also knows that the power of canceled sin (that He accomplished) is being broken and that my redeemed life will be an influence for his kingdom no matter what.  “God works all things for good.”  “Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more”.

4.  And when you have “turned” again.  Jesus knew Peter was going to betray his friendship.  Jesus knew that Peter had his own “kiss” to avoid the harsh realities of being identified with Jesus.  Jesus told Peter that he would “deny” him three times.  Peter turned from Christ.  In spite of Jesus prayer, Peter turned…but Peter returned. ** How many times have I done this.  Many times we (I) live in denial of the realities of sin and how the remnants of that “canceled” sin still have power over me.  It frustrates me.  It makes me mad.  But even through the winds blow, even thought the ground shakes, even though I am afraid, even though I will turn at times… I WILL be able to say at the end of it all, “It is Well with My Soul.”

5.  And when you have re-turned, strengthen your brothers.  Through Peter’s denial, failings, rejection of the harsh reality of friendship with Christ…he was going to be uniquely able to reveal God’s grace to the others. **God knows His children will re-turn.  They will repent of their running away and run home like the prodigal son.  When I have re-turned to face Him and His forgiveness, it is then that my life will be an encouragement to others.  God uses our weaknesses to demonstrate his amazing power. 6.  Peter was awefully confident.  Oh, no Jesus.  I’d never deny you.  It will never happen. **There are many places in scripture that speak of this.  “Pride cometh before the fall.”  This isn’t a pride of wanting to “be” God like Satan, but a self-pride of saying that I am too strong to ever fail God.  I think much of my frustration and lack of growth comes because I used to be so confident and now I don’t know how to rest in God’s redemption of my failures.

I know this isn’t the most elegant of my “smokes”, but I hope it helped.  Just writing it has helped me.  May I be like Peter and re-turn every day that I may be an encouragement to others.  My next entry will be on Paul…what a redemption story he has.