Many I have spoken with through the years have had a concept of failure as being "final." They express that "all is lost" or that they should just give up, throw in the towel and quit because "it's over." I think our society is too quick in sending these kind of messages. Just look at how easy it is to go from "Hero to Zero" today. Look at how quick our world will disown, discredit and destroy those who fail "just once."
I am sure the Disciples of Jesus were feeling like they totally blew it when they suddenly realized what they had done...abandoned Jesus at the most crucial time in human history. Unfortunately, Judas took the "easy wrong" instead of the "hard right" and committed suicide by hanging himself. Peter cursed up a storm to emphatically deny knowing Jesus.
But, it wasn't just Judas and Peter...it was all 12 Disciples. When Jesus was arrested in the garden of Gethsemane, Matthew 26:56 tells us "...Then all the disciples deserted him and fled." Betrayal, abandonment, denial...you name it, Jesus endured it all. His purpose was not to be a punching-bag or a 'sin-sponge' to absorb all the brokenness we could dish out. His purpose was to show us the unconditional love of God the Father. It was to invite us into a personal, loving, intimate relationship with him.
This is what I find so fascinating about how Jesus restored Peter (John 21:15-19). Jesus didn't take Peter's denials and rub them in his face or grab him by the collar and demand an apology. In fact, Jesus wasn't looking for a confession of sin...Jesus was hoping for a confession of love...and that is precisely how Peter responded. PETER GOT IT!
Jesus covers all our failures with his unconditional and pardoning love. What disappointments, mistakes or failures are you STILL holding on to? Failure is not in falling down...it is in the refusal to "get back up." Will you allow Jesus to help you back up? His hand is outstretched...will you grasp his hand and let Jesus help you get back up on your feet? I'm sure Peter would be cheering you on saying "do it...you won't be sorry!!"
