“But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.’”
Mark 16:7
Angels are the Lord’s messengers; they do his bidding. This angel, in the empty tomb, had words for the women to give to His disciples… and Peter. Peter is singled out. He was a disciple so the general instruction certainly applied to him, but the Lord appended the address for this message to Peter, by name. And no wonder. I’ve experienced emotional turmoil in my life, but nothing compared to the heights and depths that Peter experienced over these few days. His heart rose with the joyous shouting of “Hosanna” at the triumphal entry and sank as Jesus cried out “my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” on the cross. Peter’s sorrows were intensified since he had boasted of his loyalty only to deny him three times right in Jesus’ view while He was in the midst of His trials. Peter’s soul must have dropped with a thud when he caught Jesus’ eye following his third insistence that he did not even know the man. He wept bitterly.
But oh, what high hope, what lift when he heard that the Lord’s instructions to meet Him in Galilee were addressed to him in particular. What healing words. What comfort. Yes Peter, you arrogantly boasted of your loyalty, you violently struck out with the sword without call, and in cowardice you denied the Lord three times. But listen, the Lord has risen and is calling His disciples… and you! You may have been faithless but He is remaining faithful to you. You are not cut off. The Lord still speaks your name. You are still chosen and called. The time for bitter tears is over – run, see for yourself – Jesus is alive, and He is calling you to Himself by name. He is calling you to His presence and He will have words for you, words to cement your humility, words to confirm His love, words to call you into service for His people. Wipe away your tears Peter and run to meet your savior – He loves you by name, and His love is everlasting!
O Lord personalize your grace to me – help me to hear my name in your promises. Let me hear my name so that my soul might be lifted and my heart may exult in being called to Jesus. Amen.
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