This morning we will be finishing off the 26th Chapter in the Gospel of Matthew and starting the 27th Chapter.

We are going to be reading some familiar text as we will read about:

Peter's denial

Jesus's trial before the Sanhedrin

Judas's remorse

Judas's death

It always amazes me to see big and bad rough and rowdy fisherman Peter fearing young slave girls.

It also amazes me at the difference between Peter and Judas's response to their own betrayal of the Lord. Both were devastated by their choices. Both came face to face with the reality of human fragility and wickedness. However, Peter chose to examine his role and humbly accept the pain that came from his failure. Judas, chose the coward's way out and chose to end his life instead of sorting through the pain of his role in the arrest and crucifixion of Christ.

Peter chose hope, repentance and reliance on the mercy of the Lord. Judas chose death instead of true repentance. Judas chose despair instead of hope.

Saints, I know this world is tough. I know that we are all sinners and WILL fall short of the expectations of our Lord. Just remember we worship a God of second, third, 2000th chances. We worship a God of love, mercy and forgiveness. No matter how dark it seems there is always hope and forgiveness that can be found in Christ. 

Suicide does not end pain, it just selfishly passes that pain on to others. What a wicked thing to do to those whom we may say we love. Always choose hope, because it is given to us in abundance. As long as we have breath in our lungs-the Lord has work for us to do. He can restore, heal, forgive and accept us as His children.