Learning From Peter

Peter is one of Jesus' more interesting disciples to me. He was the one who recognized that Jesus was the Messiah. (Matthew 16:16) Peter cut off a soldier's ear when they came to arrest Jesus. (John 18:10) Later on that same night, Peter was also the one who denied Jesus three times. (John 18:15-27) Jesus commissioned Peter then three times by asking Peter if he loved Him. (John 21:15-17)  Peter was the one who preached the first sermon after the Holy Spirit came on the early Christians. He was the leader of the apostles. (Acts 2)

We can learn so much through all of Peter's ups and downs. One thing we can learn is the power of God's redemption. Peter was known for his anger and language. Yet God was able to turn his fierceness into a passionate love for Jesus, and He molded Peter's sharp tongue into an ear-grabbing tool to lead people to the cross.

We can also see through Peter that no matter how we may mess up, Jesus is always there to forgive us. We may "deny" Him through our behavior, we may reject Him with our ways, but when we turn to Jesus with contrite hearts full of love, He is waiting to receive us again.

No matter how we may have acted before, when we fully surrender our lives to God's will, He can take us and still use us for greatness in His kingdom. Don't let your past mistakes keep you from your glory in God. Don't allow negativity to keep you from being used in the kingdom. Allow God to redeem you and mold you into a force to be reckoned with on His behalf.

Verse of the Day: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18