Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Luke 22:61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."
THE LOOK
It's hard to remember a time when Jesus gave someone only a brief glance or a passing word. When a woman touched the hem of His garment, He stopped the entire procession -- on its way to the home of Jairus -- until He found, spoke with, and healed that woman. When lepers called to Him from a distance, He took the time to stop and help them. He stopped to call Zacchaeus down from his tree, and to heal blind Bartimaeus. And the list goes on!
Certainly He was not short with His disciples, even when they were constantly vying for position among themselves. How patiently He taught them the truths about God's ruling in their lives. He told about what awaited Him in Jerusalem, and He warned Peter about the pressures that he was going to face.
Then, when Peter was distancing himself from Jesus, cursing and swearing that he didn't know Him, Jesus turned and looked at Peter. That was all it took for Peter to remember Jesus' word of warning, and to make him realize how he had fallen. But the Lord did not leave it at a glance. He would make a special visit to Peter on the third day, and then spend the time after breakfast by the Sea of Galilee to restore him to the service of strengthening his brethren. So the Word also comes to us.
Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,
But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 552:3)
