Nothing can separate us from LOVE!

The rooster crowed three times. Three times Peter denied knowing Jesus. He cursed and swore at the accusation that he knew Him. Then he remembered Jesus’ words that this would be Peter’s response. Peter wept bitterly (Matthew 26:69-75) …

Peter had to learn or be persuaded that nothing could ever separate him from Jesus’ love (Romans 8:37-39). This lesson yielded victory for him. Knowing the constancy of God’s love is peace. We, too, must be persuaded. No behavior on our part will alter His affection toward us. We may grieve with sorrow as Peter did because of our sinful actions, but God’s love for us is unchanging; this is grace!

Jesus welcomed Peter into fellowship with Him after Peter's actions against Him, as Jesus prepared a meal for Peter and the other apostles (John 21:1-14). The offering of preparing a meal and extending an invitation to Peter to come to the table was an invitation into grace. Peter’s behavior didn’t matter to Jesus. Only love mattered; His love for Peter, and Peter’s love for Him. And in that love was forgiveness of sin; Jesus forgiving Peter, and Peter forgiving himself. Peter’s sorrow could have been so deep as to cause him to distance himself from Jesus. Instead, Jesus’ perfect love drew him, and fear was cast out: the fear of punishment for sin, accompanied by guilt and condemnation, even a prideful self-pity that couldn’t accept forgiveness. But love drew Peter to a place of receiving God’s gift of grace. It changed his thinking; it healed his emotional distress. It allowed Peter to join the apostles in a meal prepared by Jesus, and later to remain secluded as they waited for the Holy Spirit, as Jesus instructed. Despair didn’t grip Peter with the destruction of his life. Instead, he turned to the comfort of His Savior, humbled himself, and received. Love had won!

Jesus knew what was ahead for Peter. He still wanted His Holy Spirit to take over Peter’s life and be united with him. Peter’s bad behavior didn’t change Jesus’ mind. Jesus wasn’t offended or hurt by Peter, which would have caused Him to discard or abandon the relationship with him. Instead, Jesus reached out in love and a desire for fellowship. Jesus was empowering Peter to experience the power of forgiveness as He extended His love to him. Jesus still wanted Peter! And Jesus still wants us! This kind of love should draw us nearer to Him, humbled, in awe, and grateful! Jesus loves each of us! Nothing will change that. The cross proved it! Jesus chose to make His dwelling in us, just like He chose to make His dwelling in Peter. We are His valuable treasure! Love was Jesus’ purpose behind the cross, and His love for us remains as vital, as strong, and as powerful!

Peter shows that he was not living by fear, defeat, frustration, or intimidation of the enemy. He shows that he was surrendered to Jesus, surrendered to love, surrendered to a relationship with Him. Peter was fully persuaded by love! Peter benefited from all that Jesus died to give Him. God had declared peace by Jesus’ blood, and Peter received it, an outpouring of grace.

Jesus had confronted Peter in love, and Peter responded by abandoning fear of sin, fear of rejection, hopelessness, guilt, and condemnation. He received new life through Jesus, living empowered and victorious. Peter abandoned himself and chose Jesus instead.

Peter shows us how to humble ourselves and receive from the Lord, never letting pride or self-striving stand in the way of our relationship. For Peter, as it is for us, knowing God’s love in this profound way, is to know His power (Ephesians 3: 16-21). Satan is quick to separate us from Jesus and from His love. However, look at Peter’s life and stand witness to the power of God to transform us! This brings glory to God for everyone to witness.

Today, as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ suffering and death, and resurrection, let our attention be turned to Jesus, to His love, to the consequences of His love that are available to change our lives as Peter was changed. Jesus desires us, no matter the state of our lives! He simply wants us to say “yes”!