Experiencing Freedom
Peter had betrayed the Lord. “I do not know the man!” And when Jesus looked at Peter, he knew he had sinned. The difference between Peter and Judas is that Peter believed that Jesus would forgive him.
Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me.” It was difficult for Peter to respond, “Yes, Lord.” But he did. Peter was accountable for his sins. He accepted the responsibility that he had sinned, and restitution would need to be taken. Because of this he received forgiveness and mercy.
When you have been forgiven there is a sense of peace and freedom that comes over you. You can sense the anxiety and stress leave your body. It is an experience that is life giving. And once you experience this freedom you want to share the experience with others. And you become excited and become a witness to what has happened.
This is where we found Peter today. Trying to explain to the Jewish leaders his experience of freedom that came from God’s forgiveness and mercy. However, they are not accepting his testimony. They do not want to listen to him. They just want to get rid of Peter.
For obeying God, they want to put him to death. They would rather continue to follow the restrictions of their culture than experience the freedom of forgiveness.
Have their been times where you have rejected God’s forgiveness?
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen