January 17, 2015

Forgive me, Lord

But I have pleaded in 

prayer for you, Simon, that your 

faith should not fail . . .”

Luke 22:32 NLT


Jesus warned Simon Peter that he would deny knowing Jesus three times. The rejection occurred while Peter attended Jesus' trial. Under His own stress, the Lord looked over His shoulder to Peter with eyes of compassion. How did Peter respond? With bitter tears.
Peter ran from the courtyard while his Friend stood mocked and beaten. Though he didn't deny Jesus with a kiss like Judas, he still rejected his Master. How could Jesus forgive him? How could Peter forgive himself? How could he encourage others now?
Then he remembered the Son of God had prayed for him. What had Jesus said about a mission to encourage the other disciples?
The prayers of Jesus brought Peter through the next three days. The rest of Peter's life and his own death honored his Lord because Jesus had prayed for him.
Jesus included us his prayer in John 17:20. He gave us assurance of His intercession on our behalf, even if we deny Him as Peter did on that dark, unforgettable night.


Juanita

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