Luke 22:60-61

New International Version

Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”

For Meditation

“And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter.”

It was like a sword piercing Peter’s heart. In a flash of the moment, he felt the pain of disappointment and failure. The eyes of the Lord said it all – like, I told you, Peter, that you could not keep the weak promise of yours.

Has the word of God cut through your heart this way before? Have your eyes caught that of the Master after you have so cowardly disappointed Him? How did you feel, and what did you do?

Our reaction to failure is always a critical issue before God. Peter’s action did not differ from Judas Iscariot’s on that chilly morning in the chief priest’s courtyard (Luke 22:54-62). The behavior of one cut to the core of his heart. The other regretted the loss of his place among the Master’s team for building the kingdom of God. Peter grieved because he broke the heart of His Lord. Judas wept over the loss of recognition among both parties – Team Jesus and the leaders of Israel.

Tears tell different stories. Some tears reveal a broken and contrite heart – the godly sorrow that leads to repentance. Others tell the tales of self-pity and remorse, which lead to destruction.

How do you react to failure in the mirror of God? What story do your tears of failure tell?

Shalom.