There’s Hope for the Peters of the World

I love relatable Biblical figures. I’ve often talked about David and how he just gets me. He was emo, a musician, and constantly messing up, and yet, his heart was known for being one after God’s own. Another incredibly relatable man in the Bible was Peter. He was prone to emotional outbursts (me) that often got him in trouble (me), but his heart was coming from a good place (also me).

Take, for example, the time Peter, obviously upset by the news, tries to rebuke Jesus for telling them of his impending death. I truly don’t believe that his heart was bad in this! He merely couldn’t stand the thought of his beloved Savior dying. But what happens? Jesus literally calls Peter Satan and tells him to stand down (Matthew 16). Ouch. Or what about the time when Jesus was on the verge of arrest and Peter, ever the protector of his Lord, takes out his sword and cuts off the ear of an offending guard, only to have Jesus rebuke him and replace the ear (John 18)?

Peter was guilty of having a mouth and arm that often went into action before his mind could catch up. Sound familiar? I know it is for me. I can’t count the number of times that I’ve been guilty of reacting first, considering later. But I’m here with some great news for all of us who empathize and relate with Peter – his future is good!

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

– Matthew 16: 18, 19

Jesus’ words to Peter could not be more beautiful. There is hope for us. Remember, God looks at us and sees what we can and will be, not just what we are in the moment. How refreshing!