Knowing Your Commitment

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Oftentimes, when we think of (Simon) Peter, we think of the things he said to Jesus. Jesus once told him, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-3

Peter responded, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death.” Luke 22:33

To this Jesus replied, “The rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know me.” Luke 22:34

We always think of Peter in these terms. The disciple with the empty promise. We always characterize Peter as the hot headed, mouthy disciple. And many times, he was.

What I would like to propose is this: Jesus was right in that Peter ended up denying Him thrice before the crucifixion. Yes. Peter was scared, flawed and still had a lot of his journey to walk. Jesus knew this.

Still, while Jesus was right about that part in the short term, and He predicted Peter would turn again to strengthen his brothers, Peter was also right.

Peter failed Jesus when he denied Him. However, while Peter was very flawed, he knew where his commitment was. Peter was committed to Christ. The execution was a little illusive sometimes, but history tells us Peter suffered a lot for Christ’s name. History tells us Peter was crucified upside down. Peter ultimately did go to prison, and he died uplifting the name of Jesus.

Just like Peter, we are flawed individuals. In different ways, we may deny Jesus and what we believe by the way we live or the things we say, and later we cringe. But here, Peter shows us how important it is to know what you are committed to and to know what you love, regardless of how many times you screw up. This life is about dusting yourself off and standing every time you fall. It’s humbling. I just wanted to point out that God is not ready to make us better, He is ready to transform us. God helps us grow to the point where we can keep the commitment we have made in our hearts. The important thing is to have a commitment in your heart and press down that path. What is your heart committed to?

And remember, while Jesus saw Peter’s weakness, He saw Peter’s ultimate return and strength. And Peter was right about one thing; he knew who he wanted to serve.

In the end, Peter changed the world keeping the commitment that was in his heart.