When we know the outcome of all the events of the Bible, hindsight is 20:20. Well, 2000 years ago, on that day between Christ's crucifixion and resurrection (sorry to spoil the surprise), the disciples must have had all kinds of feelings swirling inside and been in disarray, discouraged, bewildered, and even afraid for their lives.
Most affected, I think, would be Judas, who betrayed Jesus for a little bit of money, and "ever faithful" Peter, who actually denied Jesus 3 times, even after Jesus told Peter he would, and Peter, in disbelief, said he wouldn't ever deny Christ.
Both Judas and Peter screwed up big time and rejected Christ, but now they have a major DECISION to make. Receive God's forgiveness, victory over sin, and love, and put their trust and confidence in Him and His Son who died for hem, and joyously rejoice, or, let sin defeat them, wallow in guilt, and self pity, be miserable, and even kill themselves, whether literally like Judas or emotionally, relationally, psychologically, and spiritually, like so many of us tend to do at times.
Judas relied on his own abilities and resources, realized how flawed and impotent those are to deal with his actions, and decided to kill himself. Peter relied on God's abilities and resources, realized how perfect and omnipotent they are to deal with his actions, and chose to glorify God and live a victorious life.
We face this decision regularly, as we are sinners and we sin a bunch, rejecting or betraying Jesus when we choose “my will be done” mentality instead of a “thy will be done” mindset.
Today, choose to side with our victorious Savior, and don't be faked out by Satan as he wants you to believe your situation is bleak, your actions are irreparable, and Jesus is not victorious.
Judas killed himself....Peter becomes the rock of the early church that revolutionized the world. What will you decide? Don't let your decision be one and done, but make it an intentional, daily, decision. Whether you will achieve your God-given potential and attain the love, joy and peace you strive for depends on your daily discipline to follow Him in mind and action. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O gracious Father, I confess that even though I intellectually have You on the throne of my heart and mind, in reality, I often reject Your Lordship and put my selfish desires, agendas, and need to avoid discomfort on the throne of my heart. Thank You so much for Your forgiveness that You extend to me, unconditionally, even when I reject you big-time, or for a long time. Like the incredible father who received his prodigal son, You have Your arms open for me every time I return. Then You have a feast and bless me beyond my dreams. Help the amazement of Your greatness and goodness energize me daily. Grow me to be as gracious to others as You have been to me. I pray in the name of the One who stood up for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
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.
Luke 22:61,62
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 Peter 1:1-3
Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself." And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.
Matthew 27:3-5
