If Your Path is a Twisted One

He had turned his back on his friend and the man he had pledged his life’s efforts to. Sworn to go to the death, Peter went down in a whimper.

Deutsch: Münster, Petrus-Skulptur

And now, here he was, face to face with the man he had denied.

Trembling now that Jesus predictive resurrection had come true, the disciples ate bread in wide-eyed amazement. But Peter had the sinking feeling. They both knew the awkward truth.

So it was time for the question. It could have been, “Why? Why did you deny me? Why did you violate our relationship, our trust?”

I’m sure Peter was expecting that question. And for me, the “why” question is the absolute worse. Usually, there’s no good answer. All the why’s seem so lame, since my decision was probably based on some knuckle-headed selfish cover up.

But it Jesus didn’t ask why. And amazingly, he didnt ask for any penitent acts. He didn’t ask for any hailing of His name, good deeds or promises of repentance.

He just asked Peter if He loved Him.

There is something about that word when properly applied in an environment of grace that shakes the foundations of the earth, that rumbles through our preconceptions, that destroys the walls that divide.

Like Peter, I’ve been a bad friend, a bad husband, and a bad follower of God. I’ve lied and deceived and made selfish decisions.  And others have turned their back on me. We’ve tried every other solution, and they all seem to fail. There’s no other answer, but love.

So I feed sheep, looking for morsels of grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Please, share with a friend if you feel moved.
Read all past issues at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidrupert