NO OTHER FOUNDATION

“I would never do that.” “I will never do that.” “That will never happen to me.” These are phrases I used when I was younger. I don’t make those statements anymore. Why? Well, because I broke many of those vows. Many times I had good intentions, but for one reason or another I found myself on the other side of that statement wondering to myself, “What happened?”

Pride and arrogance lurks behind those statements. Even with our best intentions, we are presenting ourselves better than others. It’s the thought that says, ” I can’t believe (fill-in-the-blank) would do such a thing. I’d never…” Later, in a moment of weakness we find ourselves doing “such a thing.”

Peter found himself in such a position in Mark 14. Jesus tells His disciples that they are going to desert Him. Peter responds to Jesus’ warning with a statement of pride.

Peter told him, “Even if everyone falls away, I will not.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to him, “today, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he kept insisting, “If I have to die with you, I will never deny you.” And they all said the same thing. (Mark 14:29-31 CSB)

Not only did Peter respond in pride, but he rallied the troops to do the same. The other disciples were right there with Peter declaring their loyalty to Christ. A few scenes later they all desert Jesus and Peter denies Him three times- just as He predicted.

The truth is we don’t really know how we will respond in a moment of crisis until it presents itself. When it does, we find out who we really are. Then we find out if we can keep the vows we promised.

By now you probably know the story behind the Parkland high school shooting where 17 people were killed and 17 more injured. Scot Peterson was the school resource officer on the scene when the shooting started. He reported the incident to the proper authorities, but he neglected his training and stayed outside the building instead of engaging the shooter. We will never know what might have happened if Mr. Peterson had tried to engage the shooter. However, we do know that he betrayed his training, he broke his promise to do all that he could to keep those kids safe, and that is something he must live with the rest of his life.

On the other spectrum, consider Todd Beamer. Todd is known for his heroism on September 11th, 2001. When hijackers took over Flight 93, he along with others devised a plan to take over the plane as they successfully did and crashed it into a Pennsylvania field. He was on the phone with phone operator Lisa Jefferson discussing the plan. He recited the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23 with her. Then in a moment of great courage he said, “Are you ready? Okay. Let’s roll.” Those were the last words he ever spoke.

Todd and the others on that plane made the ultimate sacrifice. They gave their lives so that others may have life. Because of their sacrifice, there is no telling how many lives they impacted. Lives were spared from an even greater tragedy, and in the 23 years since it’s likely that there are children and grandchildren alive today because of those heroic actions.

We all hope to act as Todd Beamer if ever placed in a similar situation, even though we might die. None of us would want to make the decision of Scot Peterson, even though he is alive and well today.

In the account we read of Peter, he said the words of Todd Beamer and acted as Scot Peterson. Peter screwed up. But Jesus didn’t give up on Him. Jesus knew what he was going to do and offered Peter forgiveness after He rose from the dead. Have you ever wondered what the story would have been if Peter had followed through with his vows? Maybe he would have been highly regarded in Scripture of being a faithful follower of Christ. However, his death would not have stopped Jesus’ death from occurring. Jesus was still headed for the cross. While entertaining the thought of Peter keeping his word is interesting, what’s more interesting is that Jesus had a plan for Peter despite his screw up.

After Jesus ascended into heaven, Peter preached a sermon at Pentecost where about 3,000 people became believers. He wrote 1 & 2 Peter and heavily influenced John Mark who wrote The Gospel of Mark. He became bold in his faith, no longer fearing death. He walked in humility. Tradition has it that Peter was crucified upside down because he did not count himself worthy to die in the same manner as Christ.

God uses screw-ups. If you read your Bible from the beginning, you’ll come across many of them. They make mistake after mistake after mistake, but God does not give up on them. He uses them. Today, we regard them as saints of old, despite their screw ups. Do you feel like a screw-up? Place your trust in Christ. He loves you and can use you mightily for His Kingdom, undeterred by your mistakes.