It has been thought by some that as long as Peter lived, he must have cried whenever he remembered how he had denied the Lord. Perhaps he did. But he also must have cried tears of joy, since he also had tasted of God’s grace.

This same experience is common to all the redeemed who have had their natural hearts of stone removed. We, like Peter, remember our boastful promise: "Even if everyone else leaves you, Lord, I won’t!" How often do we have to eat our words with the bitter herbs of repentance? When we think of what we have vowed to be, and what we actually are, we should weep showers of grief.

How he must have thought about the tiny cause that led him to deny his Lord—and not just once, but repeatedly. Such frail love should bring tears to our eyes.

Peter must have also thought about his Master's look of love. After the rooster’s call, the Lord looked at Peter with sorrow, pity, and love. That glance was never out of Peter's mind so long as he lived. It was far more effective than ten thousand sermons.

Thankfully, Peter was also able to recall the Savior's full forgiveness which restored him to his former place.

To think that we have offended so kind and good a Lord gives us good reason to cry. Lord, strike our rocky hearts, and make the waters flow. [M&E]