Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Luke 24:12 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, the last time we saw Peter in Luke it was that cock crow moment when he had denied You three times. After looking at him, I’m sure with eyes of sad compassion, he ran out the door and wept bitterly (Luke 22:61-62). Now, after hearing from Mary and them about what they had seen at Your tomb, though the other ten disciples thought it was nonsense (Luke 24:11), Peter gets up and runs to the tomb to see for himself.
How many times have I let You down, knowing that I disappointed You, and like what I’m sure Peter was feeling, rushed to where I either last saw You or knew where someone has encountered You, hoping and longing to get right what I had gotten wrong? And once I got there, found only evidence that You had been there, but did not get the opportunity to fully engage with You, to get it finally right? But instead I’m left to “brew” over it.
Lord, there have been many times that I have let You down, been numb to what You are doing in my midst, or have cowardly slipped into the crowd. The number of times this has happened actually embarrasses me. Yet, Your restoration process so amazes me! How times have You specifically call me out to others (Mark 16:7), given me folks who will walk with me to encounter You (John 20:3), or have You privately privately met me where I am at (Luke 24:34)? Though I have felt that I truly blew it, yet You leave within my heart a lingering hope. And for this I say thank You.
Today, I pray that You would continue to encourage me to be like Peter, seeking You, especially when my thoughts and actions betray my trust in You. Continue to draw me back to that place where You laid down Your life for me and remind me that the tomb is empty, the price was paid, and that You are beckoning me to come to You. As I wonder and don’t truly grasp what You are doing in my midst through my life’s circumstances, give me gospel curiosity to ponder on those things, connect the dots, and see You at work in me that I might encourage my fellow believers (Luke 22:31-32) to Your glory. Amen.