John 18:25-27

“God appoints people who do disappoint – to point to a God who never disappoints.” Ann Voskamp

Certainly, the sound of the early morning rooster crowing had to have been harsh and deadening music - bitter notes to Peter’s ears. Indeed, a jolt of painful lightening must have pierced the heart of the denier. He had done something he vehemently proclaimed he would never do – he turned his back on his Lord. Earlier in John we find Peter’s words basking in strong confidence. He had genuinely misgauged his flesh – big mistake. Unfortunately this is one mistake we all seem to wrestle with and fall prey to – over and over again. One in which we are ever so prone to encounter. We can all see ourselves in Peter:

37 Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." John 13:37 (NIV)

Fear can make us do things we could never imagine otherwise doing. Scripture tells us, Peter had already been “privileged” to experience this fleshly fearful sensation and its ensuing consequences. Remember when he was in the boat and our Lord was walking on the water? It was such an enticement for this powerfully impulsive disciple to join Jesus. He asks permission to brave the waves – wetting only his feet – walking on the water to join Him. Keeping his eyes fixed on the Lord, he experiences – albeit briefly – something no other jar of clay – save Bear Bryant (I just couldn’t resist) – has ever been privy to flesh out – Peter walked on water:

25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matt 14:25-29 (NIV)

So far, so good Pete! Keeping a firm fixed focus on the Master you will not go under! Yet, unfortunately, Peter lets his gaze shift from Jesus to the waves – the giant problem, the fearful and the impossible issue at hand. Guess what happens next? He begins to sink – first ankles, then kneecaps, waist and chest quickly follow immediately giving him the sensation of cold wet. He screams out cries of “Save me Jesus!” I hate the way this sounds all so familiar!! Paralyzed with fear, sinking fast - been there, done that, really don’t want to go back! The moment Pete begins to cry out – eyes going from his situation to his Savior – sweet Jesus immediately (love that word!) reaches out and saves – just like He always does for any and all who call on His Name:

30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." Matt 14:30-33 (NIV)

“Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues.” John R W. Stott

“There is never a fear that has not a corresponding ‘Fear not.’” Amy Carmichael

I am reminded of the words in Hebrews telling us to keep our focus fixed on the Master to both prevent falls and encourage us from weariness and to persevere:

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 (NIV)

“God incarnate is the end of fear. The heart that realizes that He is in the midst...will be quiet in the midst of alarm.” F.B. Meyer