Sunday, March 16, 1997 In Your Absence:
In this week's lesson, we study about a man who fell, even though at the time he had thought that it was impossible for him to do so. We also read about the mock trial of Jesus and learn about some of the events that led up to His crucifixion. This week's lesson comes from Matthew 26:31-35, 50-51, 56-58, and 69-75 and talks about Peter's public denial of Jesus. In looking at that painful, humiliating experience, we see a man who was being boastful about what he thought he would do, at a time when he probably should have been more humble. Have any of you ever found yourself in that sort of predicament? Probably, at one time or another, we all have.
The Bible talks about two other men who were brought down in a fashion similar to that of Peter. First, in the Book of Judges, we read about a man named Samson. He was a person of incredible strength who had won many battles for Israel and the Lord. The Phillistines actually shuddered at the mention of his name. Yet, when he was put to the test, he, too, fell and ended up losing his life. The Bible also teaches about King David and explains how he had fallen into the sin of adultery with a woman named Bathsheba. Before that whole matter was ended, he had even had her husband killed. In the beginning, Samson had not thought that he would be so vulnerable to failing. Neither had King David. But they both experienced that feeling of coming up short, and for each, it was in a matter of clear importance. Peter had boasted that he would never deny Jesus, but in the end, that is exactly what he did.
One of the conclusions that must be drawn from this lesson is that we often fall short when we give ourselves too much credit. We need to realize that the Lord is our strength and that we cannot stand without Him. We also need to be careful about how we boast. A boasting tongue is soon halted (see Proverbs 10:31). Another conclusion is that we need to be continually committed to a life of service for our Lord. It is when we forget that we are called to be servants that we become most vulnerable to the temptings of this world. Lastly and every bit as important as the first two conclusions is that we need to know and be encouraged by the fact that our God is a God of forgiveness. Three heroes of the Faith - Samson, David, and Peter - each did things which brought them instant shame and humiliation. Yet, when they expressed genuine sorrow for what they had done, each was forgiven and restored to a position of power and strength.
Regardless of how your life may be challenged at this time, hold your head high and realize that the God Who created this world loves and cares for you. Make it your goal to serve Him as you go through this week, and be sure to tell others what He has done for you. Thank you, and I hope to see you in class soon.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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