Finding Forgiveness
And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:31-32
Sometimes when I let the dog outside, she will see something and decide to chase it without a second thought. The problem for this little dog is that occasionally, the object she is chasing will stop or even chase her. That is when the panicked cries start.
The account of Peter denying his association with Jesus is familiar. Like an excitable dog, the best friend of his Savior, he sometimes rushed into situations without considering the cost. Jesus had told him that before the rooster crowed, Peter would deny Him three times. Peter refused to believe it, questioning his all-knowing Savior’s judgment.
But Peter did deny Jesus three times. In realization, we are told that he wept bitterly. The words Jesus spoke to him must have been racing through his mind. Satan asked to sift him like wheat, yet Jesus, knowing what would happen, still prayed for His beloved friend.
Peter sinned. He did not have a moment of weakness—he had multiple moments of weakness. It is an all too common problem for us sinners. Yet Jesus assured him, “I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen the brethren.” Peter was not beyond forgiveness. In fact, even knowing what he would do, Jesus still went to the cross for him.
He has done the same for you. He has prayed for you. He went to the cross for you. He forgives you your sins because He loves you.
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.
The Lutheran Hymnal 457:2