LOVE

Easter. Love. How can you even describe what Easter means in the life of a Christian.  It means EVERYTHING!  The meaning is so huge that I feel that I never have enough time to truly digest it.  But, each year I try and take some time to read through the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Christ.  As I was reading earlier this morning, I could not get away from the events surrounding Peter and Jesus.  Jesus, being the omniscient man that He was, knew that Peter would deny him not once, but three times.  Jesus knew that when push came to shove, Peter would put his own needs, desires, and wants before his love and devotion for Christ.  Yet, Jesus loved Peter anyways.  Not just loved him, but LOVED him.  Jesus spent countless hours with him.  Jesus allowed Peter to walk on the water.  Jesus declared that Peter would be the rock that the church was built upon.  Jesus washed Peter's feet.  Jesus gave His life for Peter.

Peter had the best of intentions.  He loved Jesus, no doubt.  I am sure that at many times Peter knew that He would do anything for Jesus....he told Jesus so.  When Jesus told Peter at the last supper that he would deny Him three times, I am sure Peter chuckled to himself thinking, "Yeah right!"  Yet, he did it, and when that rooster crowed, I am sure Peter felt the weight of the world on his shoulders.  

I couldn't help but think how much like Peter that I am.  I love Jesus, and I say over and over that I will do anything that He wants me to do and sacrifice anything that He asks of me.  Yet, over and over I put my needs ahead of my love for Christ.  Whether it is the embarrassment of sharing Christ with a non Christian or choosing to do something else instead of spending a few quiet moments with the Lord, I deny Him.  Yet, just like He did with Peter, Jesus chooses to spend time with me.  He allows me to walk on the water and defeat my fears.  He cleanses me and washes my feet.  He died for me.  How thankful I am that even in the face of my denial, Jesus chooses to LOVE.  Happy Easter!!!