“Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb.” (Luke 24:12)
Peter appears to be a man filled with remorse. The rooster crowed on the morning of the crucifixion and he had immediate recognition of his transgression against Jesus. Peter had denied Jesus in the dark night of his soul, but when he heard from the Marys that Jesus lived and he might have a chance to make it right, he sprinted toward his opportunity.
Jesus tells us that we worship in Spirit and in truth. Peter examples this to us today: a man utterly broken by the knowledge of his failure, running toward the heart of God for healing.
“God is spirit and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24 NIV)
Peter instinctively understood what we all need to hear: confession draws us near to God where concealment pushes us further away. Peter’s heart posture of desperation set him up for restoration.
If you are feeling far from God today? Does worship feel forced? Take a moment to search your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to expose any offensive way in you. And if you discover some transgression, run to God in confession rather than from him in condemnation.
Peter’s spiritual transformation is abundantly clear in scripture. And I believe his reinstatement had everything to do with his heart posture. Peter was wiling to confess and address his sin.
Friend, all of us are sinners. The question is, will we admit it? We are only ever saved by grace and when we receive said grace when we run to God with our infractions. Confession opes the door for restoration and transformation.
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us from our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned we make Him out to be a liar and His truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10 NIV)
“Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of my salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12 NIV)
O Lord, please help us to see our sin clearly. Let us recognize the detriment of our error: sin is destructive to our relationship with you and so often to our relationships with other. Sin always separates, and we long to live near You. Give us the courage to run in Your direction with confession on our lips. Restore our fellowship once again. Amen.