Especially Peter

By Paul Chappell

"And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you."

Mark 16:5–7

The last thing Peter did before Jesus died was to deny Christ. Though Peter vehemently protested when Jesus told him it would happen, when the pressure was on, Peter folded. He caved in to his fears and repeatedly lied, even cursing to add emphasis to his denial of Christ. I think if most people knew only that part of the story they would think Peter’s case was hopeless—there was no chance someone who had failed like that could ever do anything for God.

Yet after the resurrection, when the angel brought the good news that Jesus was alive, he had a very special message. "Tell his disciples and Peter," the angel instructed Mary and the other women who had come to the tomb. What a wonderful blessing and encouragement those words must have been to the distressed disciple. He had wept bitterly over his denial, and now Peter heard that he was still included in Jesus’ plans. Jesus especially mentioned his name.

It would be nice if we were perfect and always did what we should, but we don’t. That means that each of us needs to experience the forgiveness and mercy of God—and He makes it available to us freely. Isaiah 55:7 says, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

Today's Rooted Principle:

Rest in God’s forgiveness and His love today. He knows your name and will never forsake you.