Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Holy Week
Luke 22:61-62 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.
THE FAMILY LOOK
"The family look" was the way a certain baseball announcer described the stare a player might give an umpire whose decision went against him. Not a word was uttered -- nor was one needed. "Like you took the last biscuit at the table," the broadcaster would intone.
When Jesus, in the courtyard of Caiaphas the High Priest, turned and looked right at Peter, one might expect that look to have been a stare of anger or disgust. But, from what happened after Jesus looked at Peter, that clearly was not the case. Jesus' look caused Peter to remember the Lord's earlier words of warning and moved him to godly repentance.
Peter plainly remembered not only what Jesus said -- he also remembered the love and concern behind those words. That's why Peter's remorse was not the hopeless despair of a Judas. After Christ's resurrection Peter would reaffirm the love for Jesus that his Lord's love had worked in his heart.
When you have sinned and you know you deserve a look of reproach from Jesus, then go to His word and remember what He has said to you: Remember your sin does not have the power to diminish His love for you. Remember His loving forgiveness does have the power to cleanse your heart and to enable you -- through repentance and faith.-- to turn from sin to your Lord and to Christ-like living.
"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26).
"Family look" indeed!
