The Converted Peter, an Undershepherd
When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:32. {
Three times Peter had openly denied his Lord, and three times Jesus drew
from him the assurance of his love and loyalty, pressing home that pointed
question, like a barbed arrow to his wounded heart. Before the assembled
disciples Jesus revealed the depth of Peter's repentance, and showed how
thoroughly humbled was the once boasting disciple.
Peter was naturally forward and impulsive, and Satan had taken advantage of
these characteristics to overthrow him. Just before the fall of Peter, Jesus
had said to him, "Satan hath desired to have, that he may sift you as wheat:
but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art
converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:31, 32). That time had now
come, and the transformation in Peter was evident. The close, testing
questions of the Lord had not called out one forward, self-sufficient reply;
and because of his humiliation and repentance, Peter was better prepared
than ever before to act as shepherd to the flock. . . .
Before his fall, Peter was always speaking unadvisedly, from the impulse of
the moment. He was always ready to correct others, and to express his mind,
before he had a clear comprehension of himself or of what he had to say. But
the converted Peter was very different. He retained his former fervor, but
the grace of Christ regulated his zeal. He was no longer impetuous,
self-confident, and self-exalted, but calm, self-possessed, and teachable.
He could then feed the lambs as well as the sheep of Christ's flock.
The Saviour's manner of dealing with Peter had a lesson for him and for his
brethren. It taught them to meet the transgressor with patience, sympathy,
and forgiving love. Although Peter had denied his Lord, the love which Jesus
bore him never faltered. Just such love should the undershepherd feel for
the sheep and lambs committed to his care. Remembering his own weakness and
failure, Peter was to deal with his flock as tenderly as Christ had dealt
with him. . . .
Jesus walked alone with Peter, for there was something which He wished to
communicate to him only. Before His death, Jesus had said to him, "Whither I
go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards." To
this Peter had replied, "Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down
my life for thy sake" (John 13:36, 37). . . . Peter had failed when the test
came, but again he was to have opportunity to prove his love for Christ. . .
. Jesus thus made known to Peter the very manner of his death; He even
foretold the stretching forth of his hands upon the cross. . . . He felt
willing to suffer any death for his Lord (The Desire of Ages, pp. 812-815).
>From Lift Him Up - Page 224
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