Nov 29 2008
Forgiveness and Restoration
“For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight — ” (Psalm 51:3-4 NKJV)
One thing which sets Christianity apart from all other religions is the full and complete forgiveness it offers. Since all men, regardless of how they may deny the fact, have a conscience, we all know our need for forgiveness - at least in those quiet moments when our conscience can be heard.
For Christians, however, forgiveness is at the heart of our lives. It is the foundation upon which we stand. It is the strength which empowers us to walk today. It is the hope which lights our future.
Scripture is riddled with examples of men and women who sinned. Its pages are covered with sinful acts and undeserved forgiveness. David, who penned the words above. Peter, whose slide into sin we looked at in an earlier post. When we look closely at their lives (and our own), we see forgiveness as a miracle of grace.
As Peter’s fall clearly delineated sin’s subtleness in the human heart, Peter’s forgiveness plainly reveals our Lord’s incredible kindness, mercy and grace. From Peter’s restoration we learn:
Christ’s gentleness to a repentant sinner
The look of a repentant sinner
The call of a repentant sinner
One of the most amazing aspects of Peter’s restoration is our Lord’s response. Here is a man who had turned from his best friend in his time of need. Not only had he failed to stand beside his Lord, he had denied his God.
How many of us, in similar situations would even consider forgiveness? Yet, we find Jesus not only welcoming Peter back into fellowship, but seeking him out. Scripture says the first two people to see our Resurrected Lord are the one who loved him most selflessly (Mary Magdalene) and the one who denied Him the most vehemently (Peter).
Both Luke and 1st Corinthians tells us Jesus appeared to Peter. However, we have no record of their conversation. This so clearly shows our Lord’s gentleness. While Peter had denied Christ publically, Jesus did not rebuke Peter in like manner. Instead He comes to Peter privately.
How opposite are we? We want to know the details of another’s sin - even if it does not have anything to do with us. We want to see them get what we think they deserve. We want everyone to know when another sins against us. We want to show them for the awful person they are. How far we are from following our Lord’s example.
Our next glimpse of Peter and his Lord confirm Peter’s previous forgiveness and show us clearly the right actions of a repentant heart. In John 21 we read:
“. . .[when] that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”. . .[Peter] plunged into the sea.”
Peter rushed to his Savior’s side. Note the dramatic change in direction. Last time Peter was rushing from His Lord’s side. Now, however, the boat will not bring him to Jesus fast enough!
Finally, we see a repentant sinner’s calling. While we are not privy to the first conversation between Jesus and Peter after Jesus’ resurrection, we have a detailed account of Peter’s commission. Why? Because Peter’s commission applies to all repentant sinners.
We have a job to do. We are to serve our Lord wherever He has placed us. Are you a truck driver? Serve your Lord. Are you a doctor? Serve your Lord. Are you a waitress? Serve your Lord. Are you a housewife, a mill worker, a receptionist, a veterinarian, a single mother or father working two jobs and raising your children? Serve your Lord.
What amazing grace! Jesus not only forgives sinners, He gives them jobs in His kingdom. What trust this displays. What mercy He shows. No longer are we outcasts - we are co-partners with Christ in the building of His kingdom.
“Gracious Father, give me a tender heart which turns quickly to you in repentance. Show me mercy, dear Lord, when I sin. May your boundless grace return me quickly to Your side. May I seek and find a clean heart, a renewed and steadfast spirit, and a reinstated joy in my union with You.”
