Luke 22:61 - And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered ...

It was the little things that caught Peter. A servant girl making conversation at the front gate—You're not one of these disciples too, are you?" she asks, possibly with a look at John, who had just talked her into letting Peter in. Another question from someone else a little later. A remark about his accent. The crow of a rooster.

It doesn't take much to trip me up as a follower of Jesus. An overheard remark, and instantly anger, jealousy or fear spring up in my heart. An overlooked duty comes to mind, and immediately I think, "Oh, that phone call can wait another day—I can do that chore tomorrow." A promise I've made to someone else, and I think, "Oh, I can bend that a little bit—they won't mind, or even notice it."

No amount of willpower can fix these problems. Even if I could force myself to go through all the right motions, the basic problem would still be there, in my heart. I don't need a life coach. I don't need a scolder or a cheerleader. I need a Savior—just as Peter did, just as you do.

It was a little thing that turned Peter around, too. Luke tells us, "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" (Luke 22:61-62).

What was in that look from Jesus? Sadness, no doubt—but also love and forgiveness. Nothing else could melt that hardened, fearful heart. Nothing else can melt my heart when I've fallen into sin. But Jesus' love is for us—oh yes, that will do it. Because He is the One who suffered, died, and rose again for our sakes. Because we are worth it to Him—because He loves us. And that is no small thing.

THE PRAYER: Lord, look on me with Your mercy. Amen.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

What are some of the little things that trip you up in your Christian life?

What are some of the little things God uses to bring you back closer to Him?

If you are willing, tell about a time when God's love made a difference in a difficult time in your life.

Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Today's Bible Readings: Judges 9-10    Luke 14:1-24

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