Tag: GRace

In Defense of Peter

The account of Peter in Gethsemane is a stirring reminder of how human we are, even when we deeply desire to follow Jesus. Peter, who had walked with Christ, witnessed miracles, and even claimed he would follow Him to the death, shows us that the spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). We might critique Peter for his actions that night—falling asleep, impulsively wielding a sword, and then ultimately denying Jesus—but perhaps, his story is also ours. In Peter, we find relatable lessons that urge us toward deeper discipline, patience, and boldness in our faith.

At Gethsemane, Jesus invited Peter, James, and John to keep watch with Him during His agonizing prayer. But Peter’s spirit gave way to fatigue, and three times he fell asleep as Jesus wrestled with the reality of the cross. In these moments, we see a call to better discipline. Just as Peter needed discipline to stay awake and pray, we, too, are called to “watch and pray” that we do not fall into temptation. Distractions and weariness can easily pull us away from prayer and obedience, but discipline helps us continually seek God’s strength, especially in trying times.

Next, we see Peter’s struggle with patience. When the soldiers arrived to arrest Jesus, Peter acted instinctively, drawing his sword to protect his Lord. He acted out of zeal, but it wasn’t what Jesus had asked of him. Jesus had already made it clear that He must go to the cross, yet Peter acted on impulse, unwilling to wait for the Lord’s guidance. Here, we learn the importance of waiting on God, resisting the urge to take matters into our own hands. Jesus often leads us through unexpected paths, and patience allows us to stay in step with His timing, trusting that He has a purpose beyond what we can see.

Finally, after Jesus was arrested, Peter’s courage seemed to fade. Standing by the fire, surrounded by strangers, Peter denied knowing Jesus—not once, but three times. His boldness faltered when it was most needed. It is easy to judge Peter’s fear, but it’s also a moment to recognize our own hesitations to fully identify with Jesus. True boldness means openly claiming our faith, even when it feels risky. We may face fear, awkwardness, or discomfort, but Jesus is our strength. Through Him, we find the courage to stand firm, even when the stakes are high.

Peter’s journey in Gethsemane reminds us that Jesus isn’t looking for flawless followers—He seeks willing hearts. Yes, we may stumble as Peter did, but God’s grace meets us in our weakness. As we grow in discipline, patience, and boldness, we find that Jesus is always there, shaping us into people who are prepared to follow Him, even when it’s hard. Let’s remember that Jesus restored Peter after his denials and used him to build the Church. In the same way, He is patient with us, guiding us into lives that glorify Him, no matter how many times we fall.

Humble, Not Hero

In Luke 22, Peter boldly declares that he’s ready to go to prison and even die for Jesus. It’s a passionate commitment, one that shows his desire to be faithful no matter what. But Jesus, in His wisdom, responds with words that pierce through Peter’s confidence: “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” Peter is certain of his loyalty, yet Jesus knows what’s coming.

How often do we, in a burst of conviction, declare all we will do for God? Like Peter, we can find ourselves wrapped up in a fervor that makes us feel invincible. Yet, there’s a powerful truth here: God doesn’t need our grand statements of loyalty; He wants our surrendered hearts. Instead of telling Him how much we’re willing to do, maybe we should be asking where He wants us to go, allowing Him to direct our steps.

In those moments when we’re tempted to make big promises to God, perhaps it’s more humble and honoring to pause, listen, and ask Him to use us however He sees fit. This doesn’t mean avoiding bold steps of faith. It simply means approaching our relationship with God from a posture of humility, acknowledging that He knows our limits and, just as He did for Peter, offers grace when we fall short.

Jesus intercedes for us, even now, knowing our frailties and loving us through them. He calls us not to be heroes in our own strength but to be faithful followers, trusting that He will work through our willing hearts. When we let go of the need to prove our devotion and embrace a quiet openness to God’s leading, we’re finally in a position to let His strength shine in our weakness.

Clean, But Not Clean Enough

In John 13, Jesus took a basin and towel to wash the disciples’ feet, a humbling act of service that challenged their understanding of cleanliness and purity. When Peter hesitated, Jesus gently reminded him that, while he was already “clean,” his feet still needed washing. Jesus wasn’t just talking about physical cleanliness—He was highlighting a truth about our walk of faith.

We’ve been made clean by Jesus’ sacrifice, accepted into His family, and freed from the power of sin. But like Peter and the disciples, we still walk through a world filled with brokenness, and inevitably, some of that dust clings to us. We may not need a full cleansing again, but we do need to keep coming to Jesus to have our feet washed. This humility of daily “cleansing” reminds us that our need for Jesus never goes away.

While we aim to live lives that honor God, we’re reminded that our strength doesn’t come from our own perfection. Instead, it comes from returning again and again to the One who washes us. He renews us, helping us release whatever shame, bitterness, or pride we may pick up as we move through life. Jesus’ love and grace restore us, grounding us in a peace that surpasses understanding.

So, as we walk forward today, let’s remember this beautiful invitation to come back to Jesus, knowing He is faithful to cleanse us. We’re already made new, yet in our ongoing journey, we need His touch each day. May we walk humbly, seeking His grace, and trusting that He never grows tired of washing our feet.

Forgiven Little, Loving Less: Why You Might Be Missing the Full Picture

In Luke 7:36-50, we find the story of a sinful woman who interrupts a dinner at the house of a Pharisee named Simon. She falls at the feet of Jesus, weeping, and pours expensive perfume on His feet, wiping them with her hair. Simon is shocked that Jesus would allow this woman, known for her sinful reputation, to touch Him. But Jesus uses this moment to teach a profound lesson about forgiveness and love.

Jesus tells a parable about two debtors: one who owes a large debt and another who owes a smaller one. Both debts are forgiven, and Jesus asks Simon which of the two will love the creditor more. Simon answers that it is the one who had the larger debt forgiven. Jesus agrees and says to Simon, “He who is forgiven little, loves little” (Luke 7:47).

This story illustrates an important truth about sin, forgiveness, and love. The woman’s extravagant love for Jesus stems from her awareness of the great debt she owed—her sins were many, and her forgiveness was much. But Simon, who saw himself as righteous, believed he owed little to Jesus. His view of sin was small, and as a result, his love for Jesus was shallow.

A Theology of Sin

At its core, sin is not just bad behavior; it is a rebellion against God, a failure to meet His standard of holiness (Romans 3:23). All of us are born into this state, separated from God (Ephesians 2:1-3). Sin is more than just breaking moral rules—it is the rejection of God’s authority, resulting in both personal and cosmic consequences.

Throughout the Bible, we see the seriousness of sin:

Isaiah 59:2 explains that sin creates a barrier between us and God, cutting off our relationship with Him.
Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death—spiritual separation from God that leads to eternal separation unless reconciled through Christ.
James 2:10 reminds us that even if we fail in just one part of the law, we are guilty of breaking all of it.

The Bible’s portrayal of sin makes it clear that every human being is in a state of great need—each of us is a debtor to God. Sin isn’t a small misstep; it’s a complete severance of our relationship with God, one that can only be restored through the grace extended in Christ. Without this understanding, we are likely to minimize the gift of forgiveness that God offers.

A Small View of Sin Leads to a Small Love for God

Jesus’ point to Simon—and to us—is that the way we view our sin directly impacts how we relate to God. When we minimize sin, we minimize the need for God’s grace. This results in a shallow, distant relationship with Him. If we think our sin is small, we’ll see Jesus as little more than a moral teacher or good example. But if we understand the depth of our need, we will respond with deep gratitude, just as the woman in Luke 7 did.

The truth is, we all owe a great debt—whether we realize it or not. The woman in this story knew her need for forgiveness, and her love for Jesus reflected her awareness of how much she had been forgiven. Simon, in contrast, saw no great need for forgiveness and, consequently, showed little love.

Why This is Good News

Here’s the beauty of this story: Jesus doesn’t rebuke the woman for her past or even for the nature of her sins. Instead, He honors her act of love and forgives her because of her faith. This tells us that no matter how great our sin, God’s forgiveness is greater. But it also serves as a reminder that if we don’t fully acknowledge our need for forgiveness, we may miss out on the depth of the relationship God wants to have with us.

The challenge for us today is to ask: How do I view my sin? Do I minimize it, thinking of myself as mostly good and only in need of minor forgiveness? Or do I recognize the profound debt I owe—a debt that Christ paid in full? Those who are forgiven much, love much. And the truth is, we have all been forgiven much. If we fail to see the greatness of God’s grace, it is because we have too small a view of sin.

The great news is that we are not left to bear the weight of our sin. Jesus has already borne it for us. When we understand this, it transforms our relationship with God, just as it did for the woman at the feet of Jesus. The more we grasp the depth of our forgiveness, the more we will love Him in return.

Crushing Anxiety: Jesus’ Challenge to a Control-Obsessed Culture

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:34 to “not worry about tomorrow” may seem nearly impossible to apply in today’s fast-paced, future-oriented culture. The demands of work, family, finances, and even church life often leave us anxious about what lies ahead. But this command speaks just as powerfully now as it did to His original audience. In their day, many struggled to meet daily needs, and the future brought uncertainty. Yet Jesus called them, and us, to trust in God’s provision for every day rather than letting tomorrow’s worries rob us of today’s peace.

The anxiety that many of us carry is often a symptom of a deeper issue: our desire for control. We plan meticulously, hoping to safeguard against uncertainty, but when the unexpected happens, the illusion of control crumbles. Jesus’ instruction is a reminder that no matter how well we plan, we can never truly control tomorrow. Instead, He invites us to rest in the knowledge that God holds both today and tomorrow in His hands. It’s not a call to irresponsibility or carelessness but to faith that relinquishes the need to micromanage every outcome.

Jesus provides the antidote to this anxious striving by pointing us toward the care of the Father. He paints a vivid picture of God’s provision in the natural world, how He feeds the birds and clothes the lilies (Matthew 6:26-30), and asks us to trust that we are worth even more to Him. This trust allows us to focus on the present, embracing the moments we are given without being paralyzed by fears of what the future might hold.

This lesson challenges us deeply. In a culture driven by calendars, clocks, and deadlines, Jesus offers a counter-cultural way of living. Instead of obsessing over the uncertainties of tomorrow, we are invited to live each day fully, leaning on God’s grace and provision. Planning is not the problem; it’s when our plans turn into anxieties that we step away from trust. Jesus knew what it was like to be surrounded by demands, yet He continually withdrew to be with the Father, refusing to let the world dictate His peace.

This call to trust extends beyond simply easing our own anxiety; it shapes how we serve others. When we aren’t consumed with worry about the future, we are freed to love, serve, and give more generously in the present. Our confidence in God’s provision becomes a testimony to those around us, pointing to a hope that transcends human concerns.

Jesus’ teaching challenges us to let go of our attempts to control the future and place our trust in God. Each day has its own troubles, but it also has its own grace. As we learn to rest in that grace, we reflect a deeper faith that trusts God for tomorrow—because He’s already there.

Perseverance of the Saints: A Redefinition

There are few questions in the Christian life more significant than that of salvation: How secure is it? Is salvation something that can be lost, or is it a permanent state once we come to faith? This question touches on core aspects of how we understand God’s love, our responsibility, and the very nature of grace. The Bible seems to offer both the assurance of salvation and the call to persevere — two realities that we must hold in tension.

1. Security in Christ: A Precious Assurance

Throughout the New Testament, we find comforting passages that speak of the security we have in Christ. Verses like John 10:28-29, where Jesus declares that no one will snatch His sheep from His hand, or Romans 8:38-39, which assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God, offer believers a profound sense of peace. These Scriptures reveal God’s sovereign protection over those who belong to Him. Just as a shepherd guards his sheep from predators, God watches over His flock with unfailing care.

Yet, in these same texts, the language emphasizes God’s protection against external forces. There is no mention of what happens if a person chooses to walk away. As comforting as these verses are, they do not paint the entire picture of salvation security. Scripture never suggests that God overrides our will or that we lose our agency once we are saved.

2. The Call to Persevere: Warnings Against Falling Away

In contrast to the promises of security, other Scriptures issue strong warnings to believers about the dangers of falling away from faith. Hebrews 6:4-6 speaks of those who “have tasted the heavenly gift” and “shared in the Holy Spirit,” yet later “fall away.” The passage implies that a genuine experience of God can be abandoned, resulting in the tragic loss of salvation.

Similarly, Colossians 1:22-23 reminds us that Christ’s reconciliation is for those who “continue in the faith, stable and steadfast.” This conditional statement implies that perseverance is required for salvation to be ultimately secured. In Matthew 24:13, Jesus Himself says that “the one who endures to the end will be saved,” pointing again to the importance of ongoing faithfulness.

3. Balancing Grace and Responsibility

How, then, do we reconcile these two threads — the assurance of salvation and the warnings about falling away? The Bible teaches both. God’s grace is powerful, and His protection is complete. Yet, the same Bible calls us to take responsibility for our ongoing faith and walk with Him.

This tension can be best understood through the lens of covenant relationship. God’s grace initiates and sustains our relationship with Him, but like any relationship, it requires response and faithfulness. God will never abandon His covenant with us, but Scripture warns that it is possible for us to abandon the covenant ourselves through disobedience, willful sin, or neglect.

To clarify, this does not mean that every momentary struggle or doubt puts our salvation at risk. God’s grace is far greater than our weaknesses. The Bible affirms that believers will struggle and stumble, but this is vastly different from a willful, persistent turning away from Christ. The Perseverance of the Saints, as many theologians describe it, suggests that true believers will continue in their faith precisely because God is at work within them.

4. What Does This Mean for Us Today?

The practical implications are profound. If you have trusted in Christ for your salvation, you can have confidence that God holds you in His hands. You are secure, not because of your own efforts, but because of His grace and power. No external force can snatch you away from Him.

At the same time, the Bible calls you to remain faithful. Salvation is not a ticket to complacency but an invitation into a living, active relationship with the God of the universe. Faith is dynamic, not static. It grows through obedience, prayer, fellowship, and immersion in God’s Word.

Take comfort in knowing that God is at work within you, both to will and to act according to His purpose (Philippians 2:13). Yet, also take seriously the call to persevere, to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12), trusting that God will supply the strength you need.

5. Conclusion: A Promise and a Warning

The good news of the Gospel is that salvation is a gift of grace, received through faith, and held secure in Christ. However, the Bible is equally clear that perseverance is required. The evidence of true faith is a life of ongoing trust and obedience. Those who truly belong to Christ will demonstrate this by continuing in their faith — not because of their own strength, but because God empowers them to do so.

In a world full of distractions and temptations, may we heed the call to remain faithful, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him — but also recognizing that our faith is meant to be lived out daily in dependence on His grace.

The Wound That Heals: Conviction vs Condemnation

In Nehemiah 7:4-8:12, we see a powerful moment where the people of Israel come together to hear the Word of God read aloud after years of exile. It’s not just about listening to the words; the people are actively seeking to understand them. Ezra, alongside the Levites, reads and explains the Law to the gathered crowd. Their response is immediate and emotional—they begin to weep. The Word of God has brought deep conviction to their hearts, showing them just how far they’ve strayed.

But here’s the key part: Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites tell the people not to mourn. They say, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep” (Nehemiah 8:9). Although the people are convicted, they are not condemned. The leaders encourage them to move from sorrow to celebration, pointing out that “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). This is a perfect picture of how God’s Word works—it reveals where we’ve fallen short but also points us toward God’s grace and restoration.

This passage shows us the value of reading, teaching, and understanding God’s Word in a community. It wasn’t just a private reading of Scripture but a public gathering where the Law was explained clearly so everyone could understand. There’s something powerful about engaging with God’s Word together, where questions can be asked, and insights can be shared. Too often, we read the Bible quickly or casually, but this moment in Nehemiah highlights the importance of understanding, not just hearing, the Word. When we seek to really understand Scripture, it brings clarity and leads to transformation.

What we also see in Nehemiah is the important distinction between conviction and condemnation. Conviction is what happens when God’s Word reveals an area in our lives that needs change. It’s the Holy Spirit showing us our sin so we can repent and turn back to God. Conviction leads to life and growth. Condemnation, on the other hand, leads to shame, guilt, and a sense of hopelessness. It drives us away from God, making us feel like we’re beyond help. But Romans 8:1 reminds us, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Just like in Nehemiah’s time, God’s Word convicts us but doesn’t condemn us.

For Christians today, this is a powerful reminder of how we should approach Scripture. We should let God’s Word bring conviction where it’s needed but always remember that it’s meant to lead us to life, not to drive us into guilt and despair. The people in Nehemiah’s time wept at the realization of their sin, but they were urged to celebrate because God was offering them joy and strength.

As we spend time reading and understanding the Bible, both individually and with others, we open ourselves up to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. We may feel convicted, but that conviction is always accompanied by grace and the opportunity to grow closer to God. That’s the difference between conviction and condemnation—one leads to life and the other to separation from God. The more we engage with God’s Word, the more we realize that conviction is a gift that brings us back into alignment with His will, reminding us of His grace and love.

The Angry God?

As I read through Isaiah today, I was struck by the profound transformation in the relationship between God and His people. The manifestation of God’s anger is pivotal in this shift. Throughout the Old Testament, we see God’s anger depicted as wrath and judgement, yet still aiming to guide His people back to righteousness. However, these chapters of Isaiah reveal a promise of change: God’s wrath will no longer be as it once was, thanks to the redemptive work of the Suffering Servant — Jesus Christ.

God’s oft-maligned anger — on display throughout the Old Testament — represents His holy and just reaction to humanity’s sinfulness and rebellion. In Isaiah 54:7-8, His anger is portrayed as a necessary response to Israel’s relentless unfaithfulness… but the thing so often missed (or misunderstood by the Lord many critics) is that this anger was not an end in itself but a means to restore a broken relationship but demonstrating the consequences of rebellion and lack of trust.

Now, back to the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53 who bears the sins of many and intercedes for transgressors. This Servant takes upon Himself the punishment for sin, satisfying the requirements of God’s justice. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). This sacrificial act — in which Jesus has absorbed the wrath due for sin — dramatically changes our relationship with God. In Isaiah 54:9-10, He promises that His anger will not be directed toward His people anymore, much like the promise He made after the great flood.

God’s wrath is now reserved for the final judgment at the end of the age, rather than being meted out in the sort of ad-hoc fashion of the Old Testament. The discipline and correction of God remain, guiding believers towards righteousness via the indwelling Holy Spirit because we have moved from the rule of law to the rule of grace.

Reflection Questions:

How do you understand God’s discipline in the context of His holiness and justice?
In what ways does the promise of God’s grace change your perspective on sin and forgiveness?
How can you live out the reality of God’s grace in your daily life?

Are You Unredeemable?

No. That’s it. No. I think this is hilariously accurately summed up by the Backstreet Boys who said, “I don’t care who you are, where you’re from, what you’ve done… as long as you love me.”

This idea struck me as I was reading today’s passage about the great (if underrated) king Hezekiah. His first order of business after taking the throne was to restore Israel in relationship with God. He cleaned the land of the idols, shrines, pillars, and foreign gods. He re-opened, restored, and rededicated the Temple of the Lord built by Solomon. And he called every person from both Judah & Israel (those who were left after the Assyrian raiders came through) to come and worship the Lord. And they didn’t get everything right. They had to move Passover back a month because the people and facilities weren’t ready. They had commoners offering sacrifices because the priests weren’t ready. The even had unclean people partaking in the meal, after king Hezekiah prayed for grace from God. And the Lord blessed all of it! It was never about the rituals. The rituals were there to show US how UNHOLY we are and how much we needed God. God just wanted our hearts. Our genuine love for Him fuelled by understanding of what He was doing to bring us into good standing.

The point is this: even if you are so far gone that God has sent multiple prophets to tell you of the impending judgement, you can still turn it around and come back to Him! You are never too far from God. You are never too broken to be restored. You are never too lost to be found. Neither is anyone else.