Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-01-24
CHR1sr's MESSAGE
TO Peter, lllustrating. His
Temper Toward the
Weak.

there little groups are recounting the
Incidents of his life Occasionally
some one ventures suggestion con.
corning the possibility of his resurrec-
tion las he sa,d," but the majority
who had previously followed Him
we're giving expression to their doubt,
in the sentiment of Cleopas, who said,
1--WE trusted that it had been he which
should have redeemed Israeli" A few
women which come with Christ from
Galilee are now on their way with
spices and ointments to anolnt the
body of Jesus, the one question being
"who shall roll us away the stone from
the door of the sepulchre?' The
" .tch that Plate had set is stricken
with weakness and fear. The dis
c pies are holding consultation, and
l fancy they are reviewing the life of
Jesus. One speaks of the day he be-
gan to follow Him; another calls to
mind what he believes to be the greatest
miracle lie ever wrought; another ex-
patiates upon the most beautiful and
instructive parable lie ever spoke,
while another refers to the sweet and
precious words He uttered at the last
supper, and still another calls up the
.ene in the Garden of Gethsemane,
4 II trial, crucitixion and burial. AT
length the conduct of Peter at the
t~ial of Jesus becomes the leading
question. And we have an idea that
if ever person got good, thorough
investigation, it was Peter. Every
act of his official career was carefully
reviewed and appropriately discussed,
such action being taken as to exoner
ate the other disciples from completely
with Peter. at the same time meeting
out to him proper rebuke for his un-
faithtulness. One favors sending out
a circular, declaring their purpose to
have nothing more to d D with such q
wavering person, while another after
Reviewing at length the many mis-
takes he had made, wound up by offer
ing what he considered to be a set of
resolutions worthy of the case and oc-
i casion, and yet another waxed eloquent
in favor of expulsion. Such conduct
as Peter had manifest was unworthy
q plia-asee OF even q publican, much
less follower of Christ. The last
speaker quoting largely from Moses on
Fundamental law. While this inyesti-
J CATION has been going on those women
J have reached the tomb where Christ
! was buried. The watchers have fled
to the city, and they who were going
to anoint the Christ have turned swift
messengers and they are now hurrying
to the place where the disciples are
assembled. They arrive just as the
president is about putting the question
| of expulsion. The excitement of the
! moment is stayed, the messenger en-
tiers and almost GREATNESS silence
ensues. The look of inquiry and anx.
ious expectancy is upon every face
What is the message? What is the
word? Listen, for Heaven is stoop
, ing to earth. Hallowed hour, glorious
message, from HIM who was dead and
is alive forevermore. "Christ is risen,
"Christ is risen and He goeth before
you into Galilee." "Tell the disciples
and Peter" to meet Him there. Prec.
ious message. The meeting is at al
end and U how that poor old weary
!, and heart-sick brother leaped for joy
} See him bounding away toward the
! Sepulchre. Others may doubt the
. message but he never. What prec
ious Gospel. What a matchless Christ
Tell Peter, he who had proved faith
9 less in the supreme hour of trial, tel
? him who denied me, want to see him
tell him who the other disciples hav,
rejected. ooh, depths of mercy cal
u there be, mercy still reserved for me !?
d Yes, thanks be unto God for the veal
J. and erring there is hope in Christ, i
only, like Peter, when Jesus gives tn
y invitation they will hear and heed
u Oh how true to the thought of Jesu
!" is that beautiful stanza
u Though forget him and wander away,
Still he doth follow wherever stray
1t Back to his dear loving arms would flee
When remember that Jesus loves me.
Jesus ever revealed his love an,
sympathy toward the weak. TIL
: church should cultivate not the splri
of censure and fault finding. but til
spirit of the Chlst.
But none of the ran.Gnsed over knew,
How deep were the waters crossed,
Nor how dark was the night that the Lord passe
through,
Ere he found that sheep that was lost
Christ's message to Peter was "Lo,
est thou me?' lie was not anxior
to increase the grief of an aread
overburdened heart. The sin-sick so,
needs no greater load
Only come n II are and believe on his rnm
Jesus sill give you rest.
The invitation of Jesus not only rel
veals his interest in the weak and er
ing and the relation of the church {
the backslider, but it R'so presen
what is best of all, the possibilities {
an immortal soul. Peter may ba,
gone to the depths but he certain
almost We'd with GAbrael In his u
ward majestic sweep" Oh the poss