The Baffled Tempter The Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat, - Luke 22:31 Peter was put through Satans winnowing; but the chaff only in him was blown out. He was a smaller man after the winnowing, just as the bulk of the wheat pile is reduced when the chaff is blown out; but he was a better man. He lost his rashness, his self-confidence, his pride, and came again a humble man, but stronger, majestic, - a power to bless the world. Thus through the grace of Christ even the falls of believers are make to work for their good. Much of the grandeur and power of Peters after life came out of that costly lesson.” The oyster mends its shell with a pearl.” Where the ugly wound was there comes a gem, hiding the scar, and making it a spot of lustrous beauty. So true repentance of sins changes the weakness of our lives into strength. If we are Christs true followers, even our defeats become blessings. Longfellow says of Peters sifting,- One look of that pale, suffering face Will make us feel the deep disgrace Of weakness; We shall be sifted till the strength Of self-conceit be changed at length To meekness. Wounds of the soul, though healed, will ache. the reddening scars remain and make Confession; Lost innocence returns no more; We are not what we were before Transgression. But noble souls through dust and heat Rise from disaster and defeat The stronger; And conscious still of the Divine Within them, lie on earth supine No longer.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 13:05:42 +0000
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