What Redemption Looks Like

“As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, ‘You are not one of his disciples, are you?’
       He denied it, saying, ‘I am not.’” John 18:25 NIV

Peter was in the high priest’s (who was Caiaphas at the time) courtyard waiting to see what would happen to Jesus. He and Caiaphas’ officials and servants were standing around a fire trying to warm themselves. Three people approached him about being one of Jesus’ disciples and each time he denied it.
      Some time after Jesus’ resurrection, Peter was taken before the rulers, elders, teachers of the law, and the high priest and the men in his family (Acts 4:5-6). In this passage of scripture, Annas (Caiaphas’ father-in-law) is identified as the high priest, though Caiaphas was present among the men. This time Peter courageously proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah. Because of the way he spoke and the things he said, the men realized he “had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).
      I am in awe of and in love with the way God redeems and strengthens us. Peter went from pride and denial, to humility and truth. When Jesus warned Peter about how he’d deny Him, he said that he would never disown Him, even if it meant dying with Him (Mark 14:30-31). Peter was too proud to even believe Jesus’ prediction. We see a different Peter later.
      Before, he denied Jesus in front of the officers and servants of the high priest. But, later he boldly proclaimed the name of Jesus to the high priest himself and others of high standing. Plus, he became humble. Peter didn’t even mention he had been one of Jesus’ disciples, but was recognized as being one anyway (that’s how God works-Don’t exalt yourself. If you have the right attitude, He’ll do it for you).
      When God redeems us, He makes us strong enough to go back to situations that would have once broken us, and He allows us to come out stronger and victorious against them.
      When you have Him, you are no longer the same person. Let go of the fear and insecurities that are lingering because of your past performance and failures, and trust in His redemptive power.