A Broken and Contrite Heart

Another problem that was present which would demand sifting before Peter could be fully used of Christ in the ministry; was that of pride. Peter had answered the questions appropriately as to who Christ was. He had walked on the water when Christ called out to him. He wanted to defend Christ. He cut off the ear of the soldier with his sword. He was certain he was prepared and ready to do anything for Christ. He was certain than he loved more than any of the other apostles. So often as Christians we believe that we are able to go out and battle for Christ; forgetting that He must do the work through us. We want to claim a part in our sanctification as though we could do any part of the work ourselves. We look around us and think, we love and serve Christ better than those around us? So quick to compare or criticize. Peter knew that Jesus was Christ the Son of the Living God; yet, just as frequently the case with us—he did not grasp the fullest magnitude of what that truly meant. This is noted when in Luke 22 “24And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.” This can only occur when one believes somewhere inside there is something innately worthy to have rank with Jesus. To be the servant of ministry that Peter was being molded for, he had to learn to trust only in Christ’s righteousness and strength—not his own. So with that background we come to the present scripture. Christ began by telling Simon (using his earthly name) that Satan had requested to sift him like wheat. It is of extreme importance here to note that Satan had to request permission before he could tempt Simon Peter. Unless God said yes, Satan could not have shaken up the faith of Simon Peter to this extent testing its sincerity. Every detail of my life, every temptation, has been ordained by my heavenly Father either by His direct or permissive will. Only He knows what it will take to change this wayward heart of mine. Not only does He allow Satan to test us, He already knows our response. He already knew what Peter’s response was going to be and I daresay, He already had the plan for Peter’s restoration. With God there is no “OOPS, I didn’t see that one coming; now what are we going to do?” So, sometimes He allows Satan to sift us; however, this omnipotent, omniscient, sovereign Creator of the Universe knows exactly what is needed to transform a heart into His image. Christ told Peter that He had prayed for him that his faith might be sustained and that once he had turned to strengthen his brethren. Imagine that. Christ is interceding for us that God Himself will sustain our faith as we go through fiery trials and temptations. What greater advocate could anyone have? Beyond that Christ said “when thou art converted”. It was not a question of if Peter would “make it through”; that was certain because it depended on a Sovereign God who still reigns on His throne. He knew that Peter would deny Him; yet, He knew that this would also become the stepping stone toward a radical transformation of Peter. Peter needed to take his eyes off himself and focus on Christ. He needed to rely upon a faith and righteousness that came from God and not one which Peter could “tighten the belt, try harder, and do better.” Christ did not step in to prevent Satan from sifting Simon Peter. He did not step in and change Peter’s outcome. He did; turn to look upon Peter’s face once the denial was complete. He wasn’t disappointed in Peter, He knew what was going to happen even before it did. So there is no room for disappointment here. But He looked over at Peter, I believe with eyes of compassion and empathy because He knew the anguish that had suddenly filled Peter’s heart for this betrayal. He could feel the breaking of Peter’s heart and knew the broken spirit that would follow shortly. He felt Peter’s pain over Peter’s denial. That is what this compassionate Shepherd was concerned about. He knew that the pain was necessary to help Peter to grow; yet, He knew there was great pain and sorrow that morning for a weary, confused, and fatigued disciple. Still, He knew that in order to ever be able to provide communion between Peter and Himself, He still had to walk forward and bare the Cross. He still had to die as the spotless lamb and be raised again to the Father’s right hand as the Lion, King of Judah. It is then He became ultimately worthy of Glory. He took my place and Peter’s place and your place on that cross so that never again would we be separated from His presence. But what about Peter, now crushed beneath his own sense of guilt? We know that God had a plan to save Peter; but did He have a plan to use Him in ministry? For each of His children, God has a plan of restoration for each time we fail Him. If I believe that God always has the plan of restoration, would that liberalize me to not care and to just press on with sin as a major part of my life? Just like Paul kept reminding us in Romans, 1000 times no. If I truly know Christ in all His Glory how could I ever willingly cause Him even a second of pain, compassion and sorrow while He watches me stumble into my own failure. Once upon a time, I asked God, “Why God have you broken my heart again?” It was there, that moment that I realized He had not broken my heart; but rather, I had broke His heart. He stood there with all I ever needed and I kept searching for something more. If you have been recently sifted by Satan, know this, if you know Christ as your Savior-He has already prayed and secured the sustainment of your faith through it. He also has a plan for your restoration just as He did Peter.