I love Easter.
We had a wonderful, albeit unorthodox (no pun intended) Easter. We went to a sunrise service at a local church, came home, shared baskets, went to Magic Mountain, rode four roller coasters, and then attended a late lunch at the home of friends.
There was something in the sermon that I have been chewing on since yesterday morning.
4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
The Apostle John always calls himself the one that Jesus loves. Jesus has a way of making every single person feel like the favored one. However, in the account from Mark, the angel said, "But go, tell his disciples and Peter" about the resurrection. Why was Peter singled out, do you suppose?
Peter's last recorded actions included denying Jesus three times. He was riddled with guilt, disappointment in himself, and shame. And yet, with one command from the angel, Peter was forgiven, reconciled, and honored. "...his disciples and Peter". Peter denied being a disciple and yet Jesus does not deny him the hope of resurrection.
God is so good.
When Peter's own words of denial no doubt echoed in his brain, God's message of love and inclusion replaced them.
I am so thankful for the hope of the resurrection. I am also thankful that God forgives me when I deny Him with my actions and go my own way. Peter's story is a great reminder of God's passion for His people and reconciling them to Himself. It is my story as well.
Blessings on your week! Amberly
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