By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Bitter Regrets

“You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud Link”

“And Peter went outside and wept bitterly.”
Luke 22:62 New International Version

In this dungeon below the high priest’s palace it is believed that Jesus was kept before His trial before Pilate. It is a somber, gloomy place, a pit of despair.

But it is not Jesus who is despairing and full of gloom. He, obedient to the Father’s will, has set His eyes upon the cross and for the joy before Him, He endures the shame. But Peter, in the courtyard just above the dungeon, is full of despair and bitter regrets.

For Peter, after his bluster just hours before, has three times denied even knowing Jesus.  When the rooster crows, he is plunged into deep despair and bitter regrets. He must have cried out, “How could I do this to you, Lord?  How could I desert you in your time of deepest need? How could I deny you, my Lord and Master?”

Have you had a time of deep despair and bitter regrets? Have you ever been caught in a place of deep shame and conviction of your failure before God and man? Then you would understand Peter’s despair and bitterness. I, too, have been in that pit of despair.

Is there any hope for you and me, for sinners who have not followed God’s ways? Yes, in the dungeon, before Pilate, and on the cross is One who died for you and me, that our sin might be removed and we might be set free. This Jesus, the Lamb of God, sacrificed Himself so that you might be forgiven and you might be set free. His blood can set you free from the pit of despair.

Embrace Him and His love for you. In Him there are no regrets, only the mercy and love of Jesus. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado