2025 Lent Devotional – Day 28

Lent Devotional: Day 28
From Failure to Restoration
Rev. John R. A. Simeon

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. (Psa 37:23-24)

Recently I read an account of a boy from a small town who was a topper of his class in his school days. However, in the 10th exam he could not fare well and secured just 74 %. He became an object of mockery to his neighbours. He became frustrated and became disoriented which culminated in getting an even lower score of 63% in his 12th. He hit rock bottom when fared badly in the subsequent state medical entrance exam. He was totally lost.

We have all experienced failure of some sort or other. Simon Peter was from the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples. He was there at the mount of transfiguration seeing Jesus in all his glory. He was there when Jesus performed all the miracles. It was he who in Caesarea Philippi said Jesus was the Christ. Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Mat 16:16) When Jesus said that all of them would leave him when the tide would be against him. Peter in his overconfidence boasted that he would never betray him. Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” (Mar 14:29) Simon Peter was there at the garden of Gethsemane as a trusted disciple. It was Peter who in an act of bravado cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest.

Yet on the night of Jesus’ arrest confronted by a mere servant girl and a man he denied Jesus three times just as Jesus had predicted. When Jesus turned and looked at Peter deep in his heart he knew he had failed the one he loved. He went out and wept bitterly. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. (Luk 22:61-62)

Most of us have been where Peter was, failed the Lord whom we love! We have had our mountain top experience and in our over confidence we have been careless as to where we go and whose company we keep and in a flash we fail to stand up to be his witness. We prefer to be one with the crowd. We compromise our standards and in our hearts we are miserable.

When all seemed to be lost, on the day of Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ we see the message of restoration for Peter. The angel at the empty tomb says he is not here he is risen, 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.” (Mar 16:7) Go and tell his disciples “and Peter”, Peter you are not forgotten, your tears of repentance have been seen and I value it. Therefore, Jesus recommissions him,“…Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?…” “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”

Thank God that it was not end of story for Simon Peter and thank God it is not the end of story for those who repent. There is restoration for those who repent!

Dear Lord I am not worthy of the love you have showered upon me. Thank you for the hope that we have in you and you restore us when we repent of our self confidence . Look upon me in your mercy. Amen!