PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 22:54-62
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.” (Luke 22:61)
In the moment when I am tempted, all I see is what I’m tempted with.
Like Eve, the fruit looks so good, and I imagine all the benefits.
If whispers of warning arise, they are buried beneath the burning desire.
Satan keeps you too preoccupied to seek the help of Jesus.
The Lord is there, the Lord is looking toward us in that moment.
But we are too distracted, too wrapped up in ourselves, to notice.
But like Peter, the moment also comes after we have given in.
Satan stops his enticing, and begins his taunting.
And then we see Jesus, still looking at us, with sad love in his eyes.
And waves of shame, bitterness and disappointment arise.
Adam and Eve ran away to hide from God in their moment of shame.
Peter goes outside and weeps bitterly… but does not look away from Jesus.
The next time he sees Jesus looking to him, he runs to him (John 21).
In times of great failure, look to Jesus looking at you with deep love in his eyes.
PRAYER
Lord, I have seen this look many times. You know my weakness, you even expect it. Help me to look to you before I sin; but when I do sin, help me to look to you then, to see your look of mercy and grace.
“The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.” What a reality check for Peter – what confirmation and what shame for Peter. I am sure it shook him to the core. In the moment, Peter was in fear for his life and so he tried to ‘lie’ his way out of the situation – not to be associated with Jesus – but he betrays Jesus and Jesus had told him this would happen before the rooster crows. Jesus’ gaze at Peter – burned – and he went out and wept bitterly! I too need to weep and repent when I’ve desert Jesus. It hurts – why did I do it? Where was my trust in Jesus – that He would work all things out for my good? Look to Jesus – don’t turn away!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.