Louise Gevers

"The righteous call to the LORD, and he listens; he rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. Good people suffer many troubles, but the LORD saves them from them all." Psalm 34:17-19

Everyone experiences times when things seem to keep going wrong and find it hard not to become discouraged and despairing. Peter had reached precisely that point. For the previous three years he’d been part of a vital team that had been with Jesus, and had seen and experienced things beyond his wildest imaginings. Now Jesus was gone.

But that was only part of it; he was really struggling with was himself and the memories that haunted him: “The Lord turned around and looked straight at Peter, and Peter remembered that the Lord had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows tonight, you will say three times that you do not know me.’ Peter went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:61-62) He’d often got things wrong, but this was the worst; he’d said he was ready to die for Jesus (John 13:37) but had let Him down when He most needed a friend.

It’s very difficult to live with guilt. It’s worse when the wronged person is no longer here and we can’t ask their forgiveness and talk to them about it; but forgiveness is centred in God – even forgiveness of self – and He’s able to rescue us. Only God can heal this anguish and bring peace. Peter had heard Jesus’ words of forgiveness from the cross and knew Him well enough to know that he was included, but he needed reassurance; and Jesus understood.

Jesus came to Peter, and the other disciples, when they’d returned to fishing. All night long they’d caught nothing, but after directing them to try again by putting the nets down on the other side, He miraculously gave them a great haul of fish, and breakfast on the beach. “They knew it was the Lord.” (John 21:12) In this comfortable setting He engaged Peter in a conversation that was life-changing.

It was simple but meaningful. Three times Peter had denied knowing Jesus and three times Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to affirm his love for Him. The problem was with Peter, not Jesus. Jesus knew how much Peter loved Him, but Peter had to be able to face Him and confess his love to forever wipe away his painful memories. “Peter became sad because Jesus asked him a third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and so he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Take care of my sheep.’” (John 21:17018) Jesus restored Peter perfectly by entrusting to him the responsibility of looking after His people – every part of His flock – young and old alike.

When we love Jesus, He comes to us in our hour of need too. He saves and empowers us to serve Him as He did Peter, and we are restored.

Prayer: Father, through Jesus we have hope and restoration. You hear us and rescue us from the guilt and shame that make us discouraged, depressed and robbed of completeness. Thank You for saving us. Amen.