I felt the pain before I realized what had happened. I have never claimed to be graceful, in fact, I am anything but. Unfortunately for me, this clumsiness always rears itself at the most inconvenient times; such as tripping up the front stairs of a large lecture hall on my first day of college in full view of everyone, and also when I clean. After slamming my little toe into the side of our bed frame while vacuuming this weekend, I knew this injury was going to be a bad one.
The next morning I woke up to a toe that was black and blue and swollen twice its normal size. I sent a picture of my foot to a friend who replied back immediately, “That looks broken!”.
“I don’t think so,” was my reply.
Then I sent that same picture to my Mom, and received the same response, “That looks broken!”.
I don’t think so,” was my reply.
Finally, I conferred with my husband, who has experienced a broken a toe in the same manner before. “It looks broken. All you can do is tape it up and let it heal.”
Even though it was a very minimal injury, I still made a choice to deny the truth multiple times, despite the advice and concern of those closest to me. I used my stubbornness and my pride to avoid the reality of the situation.
I was broken.
Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.
But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
Luke 22:31
Last night, I asked my daughter (ok, bribed her with the promise of a milkshake) to help me illustrate an example of what denial looks like. This was her interpretation. A beautiful multi-colored flower blooming in a sea of blue. “This is a weed!” The caption proclaims. Obviously it is not a weed at all, but once more it is stated as a fact beyond dispute.
“No, it’s a WEED!”
The Apostle Peter found himself in the same situation the day Jesus was arrested by the temple guards. Only hours before he had proclaimed his unwavering and uncompromising faith and belief in Jesus by offering to stand by his side in prison or even in death. He was ready to go. His bag was packed. No one would expect anything less from this fisherman-turned-disciple of Jesus Christ.
And then it happened.
“Woman, I don’t know him.” “Man, I am not with him!” “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!”
Three times. Three denials. Just as Jesus had predicted. And yet, even though Jesus knew everything that would transpire, he also knew the ending of Peter’s story. Grace would be extended to the disciple, and once he realized what he had done and had turned back, Jesus encouraged Peter to use his experience to strengthen his brothers.
When we are broken and choose to deny the truth, grace remains to welcome us back.
When we are redeemed and embrace the truth, we can rest in the everlasting peace and eternal promises laid before us at the foot of the Cross.
Jesus waits for us there, praying that our faith may not fail.
Beyond Room 908 