From Henry Drummond in reference to the Apostle Peter, “His fall is a lesson in sin that requires no teacher, but his repentance in salvation.”
Drummond writes that all humans can relate to Peter’s sin of denying Christ but what we need to learn is the lesson of repentance. The key to repentance, Drummond points out, is not Peter’s realization of his failure but the quick glance of Christ following the rooster’s crow. Perhaps too strongly but Drummond draws a distinct line between human sorrow and Divine sorrow. Human sorrow is just a realization of weakness and can fuel more selfish pride. Divine sorrow sees the deep need for God and turns fully to Him for forgiveness. I say its perhaps too strong because sometimes human sorrow leads to Godly sorrow. Overall Drummond’s reminding us to not be so quick to admonish Peter, because we have all been or are there. What we must know is the path to forgiveness that Peter eventually walks.
“Today, perhaps the Lord is turning and looking at you. Right, where you are, your spirit is far away just now, dealing with some sin, some unbearable weight; and God is teaching you the lesson himself- the bitterest, yet the sweetest lesson of your life, in heartfelt repentance.”