“Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples said the same thing too.” Matthew 26:31-34

We’ve heard it said that promises are made to be broken. Consider New Year’s resolutions: how long before commitments and affirmations are made before they are broken? Usually a month or less. Our most sacred promises are wedding vows but, statistically, about half will end in divorce. Human determination is a shaky leg to stand on.

As we think of Peter’s boastful pledge we see that he failed even more spectacularly than the other disciples. Were it any consolation, they failed once as compared to his three vehement denials.

What’s the take-away lesson? Is it better not to promise at all than to promise and miserably fail? The better lesson is to consider the basis for our promises. Are they made based upon human determination, or in the power of the Spirit?

Consider the course of Peter’s life following his spectacular failure. We see that “he went out and wept bitterly” Matthew 26:75. His remorse was deep and sincere; so much so that he no longer considered himself a disciple of Jesus. But, in an act of abundant, generous grace and forgiveness, Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to thrice affirm his love to negate his denials (John 21:15-17). From there we see a far different man in the book of Acts than we see in the darkest chapters of the gospels.

Where do we stand in our promises to Christ? Have we pledged a lifetime commitment, but gradually slipped away into lukewarm apathy? Has the fire of fervor died down such that we have left our first love?

No real change begins without recognition of the condition. When we know, then we can begin to repent. This repentance takes us through a dark valley, as it did with Peter who “went out and wept bitterly.” But, grace and forgiveness draw us out of the well of despair and into the light of renewal and fresh recommitment.

I’ve long appreciated the song lyrics that plead, “Oh Lord, please light the fire That once burned bright and clear Replace the lamp of my first love That burns with holy fear.”

May this be our sincere and heartfelt prayer today.

Be sure to also see Amazon ebook & print devotional and podcast: New Day Dawning.