REGRET: And a Dog, a Horse and a Cartಮಾದರಿ

Chirruping crickets usher in daylight. Bird songs carry through the bush. I gaze up into majestic gums, trying to match bird calls to their owners. The creek gave up a good-sized bass, enough for two meals. Setting my fire-blackened billy to boil, the smell of frying fish pulls my thoughts back to Peter.

Peter, you were so confident. So sure of yourself. When Jesus said, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me” (Luke 22:34), you quickly responded, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” (Matthew 26:35). “Everyone else might, but not me, never ...”Then your angry, loud, oath-filled words did just what you swore you wouldn’t. A rooster crowed, Jesus looked into your eyes, straight to your heart, and your heart busted.

With a belly full of regret, you took six other disciples and went back fishing, way out of earshot of roosters.

Have you wept bitterly like Peter because you also learned the hard way you weren’t as strong as you thought you were? That, by words or actions, you would fail your Saviour?

Our risen Lord didn’t leave Peter in his pain. He went to him—singled him out—and told him to get back to following Him (John 21:1-19). He also gave Peter another gift that day: “Peter, in the future, you won’t disown me. You will die for me—for my glory!”

Like all of us, Peter still made mistakes (Galatians 2:11-14), but from that time on, he never denied his Lord again, and he did die courageously for his faith in Jesus.

Just as Peter needed that conversation with Jesus to face his failure and get unstuck, so do you and I. Your Lord is singling you out to draw you close, restore you, reinstate you, and speak these words to you: “Your failures are not the finish of you. I do not condemn you. Follow me.”

The track ahead looks rocky. I’m grateful for iron-shod wagon wheels and my sure-footed horse. Sheep rest in shade at the bend in the creek, and my thoughts turn to my Shepherd and constant travelling companion; the One who traces no-matter-how-faint tracks through the bush to rescue His one, lost follower, to bring them home and restore their soul.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32