Peter, Gomer & me.

As our year of studying the Book of Matthew comes to a close, we are studying the Passion Week. I should be working on my lesson right now, actually. But I'm not. I'm musing instead.

After Peter betrayed Jesus for the third time, one of the gospels says that Jesus - in the hands of his captors -turned and looked at him; a dramatic moment in an intense love story.

What was Jesus thinking as he watched his best friend deny their relationship? Can a sovereign God be disappointed, if already knowing the outcome? Can he be angry - if he is on his way to complete the greatest act of mercy in the history of the world? Can he be sad - or would that be feeling sorry for himself? Did he, in an act of cruelty, make eye contact to sink Peter further into his depths of repentant despair?

We were asked last week to answer the question: "What do you think Jesus feels when he looks at you?" I spent some time asking myself the questions above. And I can't believe he's disappointed. I can't believe he's angry or cruel or feeling sorry for himself or me. What I see is Hosea.

Hosea, waiting faithfully for Gomer to get it right - knowing that she won't fully get it right until the eternal restoration. I see him standing there, waiting for the time when I can stop screwing around and we can be together, forever.

Comments

[elizabeth]

Interesting thoughts. I've been thinking similar ones myself and was encouraged to read yours. The Hosea/Gomer connection was exactly what I needed right now - so glad I found my way here for the reminder of God's love.