Mark 16:7 “But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.” ESV

The apostle Peter’s life was marked by ups and downs as his loyalty to the Savior flip-flopped between faithful and frightful. Peter had walked and talked and eaten and communed with Jesus. Just imagine the impossible events he witnessed: the blind made to see, the lame made to walk, and corpses made to breathe life again. Being with the Savior meant Peter’s faith was so rock-solid that he found himself walking on water and boldly proclaiming Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost.

But make no mistake, Peter also experienced agonizing seasons of failure. Yes, stepping out of a boat to walk on water required unprecedented trust, but when Peter’s focus shifted away from the mighty Savior to gaze upon the mighty waves of the sea, he found himself drowning, desperately reaching for the Savior’s touch. And, as Peter cowered around a fire on the night of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, his fear was so overwhelming that denying Jesus was the first thing on his lips.

Then, the unimaginable happened: Jesus Christ was crucified and laid in a tomb.

As women arrived at the tomb three days later, they never anticipated Jesus would be missing. Yet, there in His place sat a messenger who shared the good news of His resurrection. The women were instructed to go and tell this good news to the disciples and to Peter.

Yes, Peter the traitor, the denier, the one who sank in the waves, got his own personal shout-out.

Have you ever wondered why Peter was specifically mentioned by name? Could it be the women would have never dared tell a traitor this good news? Perhaps the women might have assumed Jesus to be angry with Peter and not want him near. But Jesus knew the pain in Peter’s heart. Peter was in great need of mercy for surely, he struggled with what he had done. Just perhaps Peter was called by name because Jesus wished to redeem Peter.

Our lives can mimic Peter’s journey. We can have seasons of rock-solid, unshakeable trust in Jesus. We can enjoy an abundance of patience, respond to all annoyances with grace, and relish serving others. But when circumstances change, we may find ourselves stumbling in our faith-walk, living a life in denial of Jesus, and unable to utter a prayer. But just as Christ drew Peter back to Him, He draws us today. So sisters, relish in the words of Mark 16:7 for they offer us that beautiful glimpse into the heart of Jesus – a heart overflowing with forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

Father God, thank you for loving us through the weak seasons of our lives.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane