Letting the Past be the Past
Go Tell Peter

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:22-24

Key Verse: Mark 16:7

“But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ “

It is a comforting thought to know that God doesn’t look to our past when determining our future! No one would have a bright future if God judged us on our past performance. Peter, even as a chosen apostle, had several past failures that could have disqualified him for future promotions in the Kingdom. His cursing and denying that he even knew Jesus was, undoubtedly, his most painful and shameful past behavior. One of my favorite scriptures is the one I’ve printed for today’s devotional: “But go, tell his disciples and Peter…” It is the “and Peter” that thrills me. I am convinced that Jesus knew how terrible Peter felt about his past…how defeated he was feeling. Jesus named Peter because he knew Peter needed to hear his name. Peter was able to put his past behind him because of hearing Jesus call his name.

The first step in letting go of our past is believing Jesus cares so much about you, as an individual, that He calls your name. A favorite chorus of mine is “He Knows My Name.” We are not a “number” or a statistic in this huge universe of billions of people. God – being God – can identify and walk beside all who will open their heart to Him. God is calling your name… let go of your past… receive God’s grace and be free!

Though it was said of the prophet Jeremiah, the following verse still shows the awesome knowledge and love of God for us as individuals. Jeremiah 1:4-5a – The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…”

Father, your awesome knowledge and power is too much for me to take in. Thank you for loving me… for knowing my name and calling me to yourself. In Jesus’ Name, amen.