Lent Day 44: Restoration

Peter and Judas betrayed Jesus that last night. Isn’t it odd that we chose to find more in common with Peter than with Judas? When we speak Judas’ name there is such disgust and judgment. It’s as if there is nothing about him that was admirable or that we can identify with. Personally, I don’t find that to be the case. I can find similarities in my behavior and choices that resemble all too clearly the life of Judas. Thankfully, however, there is one huge difference. One that makes me more like Peter.

It’s pretty clear that while Jesus was on earth he had a power ministry, but people didn’t really get the big picture. They were focused on the bread and healings. They saw the huge catches of fish and saw Jesus winning verbal battles with the Pharisees. They were sure he was the Messiah, but the Messiah of their understanding. They were expecting him to rout the Romans and return them to their rightful royal place. Their suffering and patient waiting was finally going to be vindicated—just the way they thought it should be!

I think Judas wanted to speed up the plan. Judas got confused. Judas was focused on the money. After all that was why Jesus picked him, or so he thought. He had to look out for Jesus. I imagine that the Pharisees were pretty slick in their setup of Judas. Otherwise he wouldn’t have been so contrite after the fact and tried to return the money. Judas was like the rest of the folks: he just didn’t really get it.

I can relate to that. It’s not unlike Moses, or Abraham, or David. They saw what needed to be done and figured out a way to speed up God’s plan. It’s typically a choice that has disastrous consequences. Too often I have tried to rush God. I get impatient. I assume that He wants me to act when He would really prefer I trust. My impatience and impertinence become the seedbeds of temptation to rely upon my own wisdom and ways. And it’s never a pretty thing.

I am grateful that this is where grace comes in. I have been recipient of God’s faithful forgiveness so many times. I have been broken. My contrite cries for mercy have risen to my Father more times than I care to count. And that is where my similarity with Judas ends.

Peter and Judas both betrayed Jesus, but only Judas went out and hung himself. Why didn’t Peter? He had been so vocal about his devotion. His was a great fall, with great shame. Why didn’t Peter’s story end that night like Judas’? The big difference I see is that Judas separated himself. Peter went back to the fellowship. Separating ourselves leads to spiritual death. Peter, by not staying away, put himself where he could receive restoration and re-commissioning.

Peter and Judas both betrayed Jesus. I’m thankful at least one of them was restored! Do you know his restoration?