And Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:75
The study of words has always been fascinating to me. Although, as a kid, I didn’t aspire to spend the bulk of my career in publishing—the business of packaging words—I’m not surprised that it was where I wound up. As I said, I’ve always loved words.
For several years I worked for a man for whom English was a second language.
Although he did well—much better than I would have done with my second language— there were times when certain words would stump him, and he’d call me for help. On one such occasion, Sam buzzed my office. “I’ll be right there,” was my response. Nice of me to obey the boss when he called, don’t you think?
When I saw the look on his face, I could tell that he was facing some kind of conun- drum, and I was relieved that the paradox had nothing to do with me.
“What’s the difference between unpredictable and undependable?” he asked in his familiar Middle Eastern roll.
Unpredictable would describe a person who was mysterious, someone whose next turn was usually a surprise,” I explained. “An unpredictable person would keep others guessing about his intentions, his next move.”
“An undependable person,” I continued, “would make a promise, then ignore it, not keeping his word.” Sam understood.
Then, looking him square in the eye, I finished with a short postscript. “I wouldn’t work for someone who was undependable, but I do work for someone who’s un- predictable!” A knowing smile graced Sam’s face. He thanked me for the help, and I returned to my office.
Now, I have two words for you: remorse and repentance. What’s the difference between these two words? With today’s verses in mind, we can give names to these two powerful words: Judas and Peter. On the night Jesus was arrested and tried, both of these men betrayed Him. Judas did it with an embrace in the garden; Peter with an oath in the courtyard. Both had heard Jesus predict their disobedient acts, and both were crushed at their own sin.
But Judas, unwilling to face his guilt, went out and hanged himself. This pathetic turncoat took his own life. Peter, on the other hand, shattered by his transgression, broke down, wept like a child, and gave his life. Through those tears, there was confession, forgiveness, and resolve. In the years that followed, Judas became an embarrassing memory to those who had known him. Peter, in contrast, changed the world. Remorse and repentance—two similar words with incredibly potent differences.
It’s a great temptation when we’re caught in a sin—red-handed with no excuses—to throw ourselves to the ground, groveling in remorse. But the message of these two unforgettable men is that while remorse ends a life, repentance starts one all over again.
Jesus Christ has already died for your sin. He paid the price on the cross. Recognize your failure, receive your pardon, and walk in freedom. Quit groveling and start celebrating. What a great plan.