Have you ever sinned badly and instantly regretted it, but instead of coming clean, you walked on hoping no one could see the ocean of guilt drowning you?  We shouldn’t sin, but sometimes, we climb back inside our old selves and do things we shouldn’t do.  We wind up in a tsunami of shame and regret and think, 'I’m the worst of the worst - a useless piece of humanity not fit for ministry.'  We disqualify ourselves.

While godly conviction is good, leading us to repentance, shame tends to overstay its welcome.  Shame is soul-crushing.  In many ways, shame is right - we are pitiful people.  The thing is, Jesus died for pitiful people.  He took the long list of disgusting crimes we’re guilty of - and nailed them to the cross.  Then Jesus placed His righteous body between us and our sin, intercepting the wrath of God.

When Peter denied Jesus, the devil had Peter right where he wanted him: defeated, beat up, unsure of his calling and perhaps even doubtful of the Lord.  Remember how Jesus healed Peter?  John 21 This scene is oozing with kindness and hope, and second chances.  Here God’s reminding the disciples how it all started: a calling and a miraculous catch of fish.  Breakfast and at just the right moment, when they had finished eating, I imagine Jesus scooting closer to Peter and whispering, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”  It’s not clear what Jesus meant by these… but it doesn’t matter.  This was a dagger in Peter’s heart. “Yes, Lord; you know that I love You,” replied Peter.  Then “feed My lambs.” (John 21:15)  In other words, get back in the game, Peter, I have forgiven you.  Jesus repeats it twice, not because He doesn’t believe Peter, but because He knows Peter doesn’t believe in himself.  See what’s happening?  The Lord is offering Peter a job.

While we’re quick to disqualify ourselves, Jesus is just as quick to reinstate us.  When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant it. Romans 8:1 says; “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  The kingdom of God is not hanging in the balance due to our mistakes. The Lord knew Peter was going to sin, and He loved him through it, and look what Peter learned in the process:

“Humble yourselves, therefore under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6–7

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10

Peter knew what it meant to be restored, confirmed, strengthened, and established. And he knew God would do it for us, too.  You aren’t finished - you’re forgiven.

Tom