“…that your faith should not fail.”
Luke 22:32
The Adventures of Peter - Last Days begins with “Steps of Redemption - 1” posted on this blog.
I awoke curled up against a rock amongst the lush growth of the garden. It was still dark, yet the twilight of dawn seemed close at hand; the stars had lost their brilliance from the night before. I had laid down in the same spot where James, John, and I were told to watch and pray together as Jesus, in solitude, prayed just a stone's throw away.1 My mind was foggy. Thinking was a struggle.
Where are James and John? Peter's thoughts groped for clarity. Together, they had fallen asleep, unable to pray as Jesus instructed, their hearts deep with sorrow from the evening’s teachings and the expectation that something dreadful would happen to their King. Jesus had spent several hours after Judas left the upper room, teaching them things to come, praying for them, and predicting events that would change their lives forever. Sleep was the great escape from the depression they felt, knowing that the person that they had followed since the day they had left their fishing nets was troubled and deeply distressed, expressing His emotions openly, saying, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me.”2
Where are James and John? He wondered. Had they gone a little further to were Jesus went to pray?
Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times,3 Peter shuddered at the voice of Jesus that came to his mind. Desperate, he got to his feet and called, “John … John … where are you and James?”
Put away your sword. Those who use the sword will be killed by the sword.4 He froze in his steps as the night’s events unfolded in his mind. Was he dreaming? The cool breeze of the coming dawn forced his mind to the reality that he was alone, yet his mind was not. He was troubled, distressed, and confused. Hadn’t Jesus just admonished him in distress, saying, “Couldn’t you stay awake and watch with me even one hour? Keep alert and pray. Otherwise, temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak.”5
Temptation will overpower you … temptation … temptation … will overpower you! Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you … Satan … have all of you … to sift you like wheat … sift you … sift you … sift you!6 The pressure in his head was intense as the words of Jesus echoed in his mind.
He jumped, startled by a woman’s voice. Aren’t you one of his disciples? Aren’t you … Aren’t you?7 He grabbed his head, covering his ears, doubling over, rocking back and forth, “No … Nooo …NOOOOOO!” He screamed, as he heard his voice in his head, I am not … I am not,8 the curses and swearing swelled up as the vision of the high priest’s courtyard became as vivid as if he were standing there now.
I swear by God, I don’t know the man!9 “AAGGGHHHH!” he yelled. The events of the night flooded his mind as he fell to the ground weeping, sobbing, and curling into a fetal position, falling asleep once again and wishing he had died by the sword.10
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I didn’t know how long he had been there, my eyes closed, rocking back and forth, grimaced by the pain in my heart. The sounds of birds chirping broke through my agony as I opened my eyes to find the dawn of a new day. The night was gone, the darkness of evil washed by the morning star, the torment in my mind swept away like a storm blown out to sea. This calm interlude reminded him of Jesus's power over the tempest, the winds, and the sea obeying his rebuke.
Why are you fearful, O you of little faith.11 The voice in Peter's heart brought comfort as he saw a vision of Jesus stretching out His hand to catch him when he sank beneath the waves, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?12 He saw himself reaching for Jesus as He pulled him up, standing there beside Him, the wind blowing, the waves churning, yet unnoticed by him as he kept his eyes on Jesus.
His vision moved to the upper room where he also was looking into His eyes, Jesus capturing his complete attention, saying “But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”13
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“The Adventures of Peter-The Last Days”
This story is Step 4 of a 7-part series.
Previously posted:
Steps of Redemption - 1: Stumbled
Steps of Redemption - 2: Vulnerable
Steps of Redemption - 3: Broken
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Praise to Our Father for the words He has given me.
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Copyright © 2004, 2005 Stellar Rhema Ministry
2016 by Jeff Cambridge
2024 bycambridge @ BrokenVav Media
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References
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
1. Luke 22:39-41
2. Mark 14:33-34
3. Matthew 26:34
4. Matthew 26:52
5. Matthew 26:40-41
6. Luke 22:31
7. John 18:25
8. John 18:25
9. Matthew 26:74
10. John 13:37
11. Matthew 8:26
12. Matthew 14:31
13. Luke 22:32
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