God
is the master storyteller and the inspiration and life I receive from His Word
continue to amaze me. As we’ve celebrated the resurrection of Jesus over this
weekend, I’d like to share some thoughts with you about Easter.
After
hearing a radio presentation on the twelve voices of Easter, I started thinking
about the denial of Peter. Jesus prophesied in Luke 22:34, “Before the rooster
crows today, you will deny three times that you know me."
We’re
all familiar with the sound of a cockerel heralding dawn – and he often starts
before the sun seeps across the horizon! Jesus could have chosen something more
dramatic – a burning bush, an earthquake, a stick that turned into a snake, but
He selected a simple bird. As I mulled this over, I realised that the sound of
the rooster could have become a daily reminder to Peter of his failure. That he
could have awoken each morning remembering how he had denied Jesus.
That
is not God’s way though. In John 21:15-17 we read how Jesus appeared to the
disciples after His resurrection and engaged Peter in conversation.
When
they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you
love me more than these?”
“Yes,
Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus
said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again
Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He
answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus
said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The
third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter
was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said,
“Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Peter
denied Jesus three times – and Jesus asked him three times if he loved him. I
see that as restoration and healing, a second chance. As he affirmed his love
for Jesus, I believe he found forgiveness and the courage to move on. Instead
of a sound of condemnation, the rooster’s crowing became a daily reminder of
God’s grace and mercy towards him.
As
we write, whether it’s fact or fiction, let’s never underestimate the power of
simplicity. Jesus frequently used examples from daily life. He spoke of the
bread of life, the good shepherd, living waters, salt of the earth, seed for
the sower, light of the world and so many more. As we choose our words and
illustrations carefully, our words can impact those who read them. Let’s follow our Father’s example and
communicate grace and mercy rather than condemnation to a world that is lost in
sin.
