As we read these two books written by Peter it is striking to see the difference of the "ready, shoot, aim" disciple who walked with Jesus. He was always ready with an opinion or an idea. Some of them were good, and some of them earned him a rebuke. But Peter after the Upper Room experience on the day of Pentecost is nothing like Peter after receiving the power of the Holy Spirit. These two books are the words of the man Jesus knew was inside of Peter even when he kept his foot in his mouth most of the time. There is a rich and mature understanding of the believer's relationship with Jesus; both our rights and our responsibilities. No more impulsive, Peter gently but firmly teaches the churches he planted in what is important and eternal.
We can take comfort in Peter's growing maturity and faith. God's grace is in abundance and mistakes we make along the way do not disqualify us from being used by God. The enemy wants us to believe that because we made a bad choice at some stage in our life, the God has disposed of us and there is nothing for us to do. Peter wanted to be a faithful follower. Sometimes he got in his own way. But the Lord looks on the heart. He knows who we are and how we are. And he knows how he will use us if we don't give up. He never gives up on us.
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