How quickly life can be turned on end. We had a minor crisis last week. A child had a fender bender on the way to work. Thankfully said child is okay – even though shaken from the experience. At this moment we still don’t know how the other driver is doing, so we pray. The emotions from our weekend of fun at the farm quickly turned to gasping for breath fear with the call to come to the scene.(The gasping and fear is on my part. Precious husband aka dad -fire/medic that he is - stays calm in these situations. For this I am grateful!)
I can only imagine the emotions the disciples must have experienced the last week of Christ life. From the excitement of Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the anguish of his crucifixion and burial to the wonder of his resurrection. Last week I wondered how Peter must have felt the night Christ was beaten and bruised. Peter betrayed the man he believed, by his own admission, to be the Son of God.
I can only image the hope and fear that must have been racing through Peter’s soul upon hearing the words of Mary Magdalene that Jesus was alive. Perhaps his thoughts went something like this…
“What in the world is this woman talking about? They have taken Jesus body? I have to see the empty tomb for myself.
It is true, the tomb is empty. Not only have they killed the Son of God, now they have stolen his body. Or could John be right, could Jesus really be alive? If he is alive how can I ever face him again? I have been such a coward. All my bold words have meant nothing. I betrayed him when he needed me most.
Jesus is risen! He materialized right before our eyes. We were meeting together, doors locked even, Jesus came and stood right in the middle of the room. His pierced hands - I. have. seen. them. His voice, so robust, encouraging us, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Then Jesus breathed on us. His breath, the fragrance of eternal life, stirred my hair. His words penetrated my heart, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Jesus forgives.”
How quickly Peter’s life changed. He went from fear and failure to forgiveness and faith. From this point forward, after seeing and talking with the resurrected Jesus, Peter is consumed with sharing the message of the gospel with others. Before the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost, the disciples stay continually at the temple praising God. On the day of Pentecost Peter stood up in the crowd and preached with such authority that 3,000 were “cut to the heart” and chose to follow Jesus.
Again “Standing on the Promises” comes to mind. This time verse three. I think Peter could have sang this verse with gusto.
“Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
standing on the promises of God.” Text: R. Kelso Carter, 1849-1926
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"But what about you?" Jesus asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:15-19
Father – fear and failure, I wallow here too often. Jesus, forgive me. Holy Spirit help me lean by faith into your power at work all around. Thank you for hope and eternal life through the glory of your resurrection.
many miles 
