Morning By Morning #212

He broke down and wept.

Mark 14:72

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

Many believe that as long as Peter lived, the fountain of his tears would flow whenever he remembered denying his Lord. This is likely true, for his sin was very great, and grace in him had later performed its “perfect work” (James 1:4 KJV). The same experience is common to all God’s redeemed family to the degree the Spirit of God has removed their natural “heart of stone” (Ezek. 36:26). We remember, like Peter, our boastful promise: “Even if all fall away, I will not” (Mark 14:29). We then eat our own words with “bitter herbs” (Ex. 12:8) of repentance. When we compare what we vowed to be with what we have been, we may weep rain showers of grief. And when Peterthought of denying his Lord, he clearly remembered where it took place, the little excuse that led him to commit such a heinous sin, how he sought to confirm his falsehood “with an oath” (Matt. 26:72) and blasphemies, and his dreadful hardness of heart that drove him to “disown [Jesus] three times” (Mark 14:30).

When we are reminded of the grievous nature of our sins, can we remain unmoved and stubborn? If so we will turn our house into a “Bokim” and cry to the Lord for renewed assurances of His pardoning love. (See Judg. 2:1-5.) May we never look at our sin with dry eyes lest we soon experience a dry, parched tongue in the flames of hell.

Peter also recalled his Master’s look of love, for the Lord followed the warning voice of the rooster’s crowing with a look of sorrow, pity, and love as His sole admonition. And that glance of love was never out of Peter’s mind as long as he lived and was far more effective than ten thousand sermons preached without the power of the Spirit. There can be no doubt the repentant apostle would always weep when recollecting the Savior’s complete forgiveness that restored him to his former place. And to think of how we have offended such a kind and good Lord is more than sufficient reason for us to constantly weep.

Lord, strike our rocky hearts, and make the waters flow. (See Ex. 17:6.)

From the pen of Jim Reimann:

Peter denied Jesus three times, so it was likely no surprise when the Lord later asked him three times, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” (John 21:17). Yet Peter had the audacity to be “hurt because Jesus asked him the third time” and responded, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you” (v. 17).

To be fair, both of these events took place before Peter was “filled with the Holy Spirit,” as related in Acts 2:4. Thus, after Pentecost we see Peter truly live up to his name, which means rock. We never see him deny the Lord again in spite of the constant threat of death and imprisonment. Instead we see him boldly proclaiming the gospel and following Jesus’ command to “feed my sheep” (John 21:17).

Indeed, as we recall our times of denial of the Lord Jesus, we too should weep with godly sorrow just as Peter did. More than that, however, we should obey the words of Jesus who told Peter, “Follow me!” (John 21:19). Then only three verses later Jesus reiterated His command, saying:

“You must follow me” (v. 22).