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Lessons From Peter's Experience

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 13, 1911

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 28.

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Lessons From Peter's Experience

By W. H. Stewart

W. H. STEWART
Peter lacked a knowledge of himself. Had he known himself, he would not have affirmed so vehemently that he would go even to prison or to death for his Master's sake. Could Peter have gone to his death wielding the sword in defense of self as well as of the Master, he would have met it bravely, because in so doing he would have been exercising self, and depending upon the power of self for success. Many to-day are very enthusiastic and zealous in defense of the Master and his cause, when such enthusiasm and zeal can be manifested with the arm of flesh, or in outward show; but to stand and to act from moral principle is quite a different thing.
When we are on the popular side, and the tide of influence is setting our way, we think we are strong enough to face death itself, and will even sacrifice our life to satisfy this desire to exalt self; but when the tide turns, and we are placed on the unpopular side, and there is no hope of self-glory, too many of us, like Peter, turn and flee. If our strength is in the Lord, we shall act from a different motive.
It is our privilege as well as our duty to know our weakness and our strength, and save ourselves from the humiliation that often comes as a result of our failure to carry out our boastful assertions.
After having listened to the blessed instruction and comforting promises of the Master, together with the promise of the Holy Spirit, and that wonderful prayer by the Saviour for his disciples and followers, Peter was wrought up to a condition of feeling that made him think he was prepared for any experience that might come; therefore the statement of the Lord, “All ye shall be offended because of me this night,” seemed to Peter impossible of fulfilment. Had he trusted in the word of the Master, instead of his feelings, he would have been on his guard, and would have been spared at least from making the boastful assertions that he was not able to carry out.
Feeling is a very unsafe guide, yet many to-day depend entirely upon feeling for their Christian experience. When they are not in an ecstasy of feeling, they think the Lord is looking on them with displeasure. God's promises will be fulfilled when his conditions are complied with, regardless of our feelings.
The disciples were told to watch and pray, and by so doing they would have been strengthened for the trials before them. Had Peter obeyed this command, he would have been able to enter into the Saviour's sufferings, and would have gained a knowledge of the value of souls. He would have learned what it cost to redeem himself as well as others from sin; but having failed to learn this lesson, he had not a true conception of the Saviour's mission.
It is only as we by faith enter the garden of Gethsemane, and there behold the agony of Christ, that we are able to get a glimpse of the price that was paid for our redemption. Surely a contemplation of this scene will bring humility and love to every heart.
By separating himself from his Master, Peter placed himself in the way of temptation. “He followed him afar off.” Many to-day are following the Master afar off, and are in danger of being overcome by the enemy. In neglecting to take an active part in soul-saving, in not attending the prayer- and missionary-meetings and other means of grace, we follow the Lord “afar off.”
By mingling with unbelievers, Peter put himself on the enemy's ground. So with many to-day, especially young people, who choose companionship with unbelievers, and, like him, try to act as they do and talk as they do, in order to avoid being recognized as Christians. Thus they deny their Lord. Contrast the conduct and experience of Peter with that of John. He kept close to his Master, and did not try to conceal his identity.
Peter denied his Lord when he decided in his own mind to avoid being identified as one of his followers. Having decided on such a course, it only remained for the circumstances to arise that would bring the test and call forth the denial. Let us guard well our hearts, and see that only right decisions are made.
By his experience, Peter was led to see his real self, and the tender, compassionate look of Jesus broke down the barriers, and led him to true repentance. “And he went out, and wept bitterly.” So it is with us. If we could see ourselves as we really are, as God sees us, we would go out and “weep bitterly,” and, like Peter, find repentance and forgiveness. This the erring disciple found only at Gethsemane, where he was reminded of the agony through which the Saviour had just passed. On the same spot he poured out his soul unto God in deep and full repentance, and came away a changed man. Every child of God must somewhere have his Gethsemane, where he receives a true change of heart, the new birth.