The Experience of Peter

The Experience of Peter

A most graphic New Testament illustration points up the necessity for a close walk between the Christian and his Lord.

It was the night before the Crucifixion.
The Lord Jesus had told His disciples that they would be offended in Him.

 At this Peter loudly affirmed that though the others might fail Christ, he would certainly not deny his Lord (Matt. 26:31-35).

At this point the Lord revealed that Satan had requested permission to put Peter in the sieve of testing.

 God did not forbid Satan to do this, and the Lord Jesus prayed for Peter's restoration (Luke 22:31-34).

Soon the Lord and His disciples went to Gethsemane.

Here in the darkness the Saviour fought a terrific battle.
He had taken with Him three disciples who were closest to Him, Peter among them.

He touchingly pled for human support in that dark hour when Satan was attacking Him and seeking to kill Him.

But all of the disciples slept, even the boastful Peter.

It was the time of all times for them to have been awake (Matt. 26:36-40).

Christ was arrested at the gate of Gethsemane and led off to be subjected to a series of mock, illegal trials. Peter followed the Lord, but a far off.

He was too far back in the mob to be recognized as one identified with Christ (Luke 22:54).

No one would have known that Peter was one of the disciples, but of course he should have spoken up for his Lord (Mark 14:54).

Then came the test.

One after another of the crowd around the fire they had hastily built agreed that Peter did indeed resemble one of the Lord's disciples.

 Over and over Peter shamefully denied any knowledge of Christ.

Then, the eyes of Christ and the eyes of Peter met. Peter's heart was broken with remorse, and he went out to weep bitterly.

Poor Peter... Satan had won.

But had he?

This is not the end of the story.

While Peter thenceforth would be known as one who denied his Lord, after the resurrection Christ sought him out, forgave him, and recommissioned him for service (Mark 16:7; John 21:15-19).

As a result of Peter's first sermon after Pentecost, 3,000 people were saved!

Satan seeks to tempt every Christian, and no one is exempt from testing.

 But no child of God needs to fall if he walks closely with his Lord.

Moreover, he should live in the Book of God, patterning his life after its precepts.

 He can be victorious over every Satanic attack, to the glory of God.

Christ prayed for erring Peter, and His prayer was answered.

As He ever lives to make intercession for all of His children, His petitions for us will be answered, as well.

God Bless You
David