I had followed Jesus,

these last few years.

Committed, I had put aside,

all other cares.

He was all I hoped for.

For all that I had seen,

Had transformed me from,

the person I had been.

Simon a fisherman from,

a small town in Galilee.

He said I call you Peter,

a solid man is who I do see.

I have determined to follow him,

whatever may come.

I will defend, although there’s,

opposition by some.

In Jesus I have a new found knowledge,

and faith in this day.

I will never let Him down.

Nothing will stand in my way.

Then he said you will all scatter,

when you see me in big strife.

I said no way! I will follow you.

Even defend you with my life.

What happened next, I could not,

accept or understand?

He would not let me defend.

Though totally underhand.

The popular support, my mates,

Jesus,  no longer here.

My whole world shattered,  lost.

I gave into foolish fear.

I bitterly wept. I had let Him down.

Jesus gave a sorrowful look.

I left, my promise came to nothing.

For Him I had now forsook.

More than that, for He was God.

Jesus rose from the dead!

I had walked with Him in this life,

on earth that He had led.

Again He met with us disciples.

Revealing he is just the same.

Not a word did He say, I a downcast feeling,

of utter…..utter shame.

Called Peter, dependable, reliable, brave,

a leader, the man.

Really Simon, just a Galilean fisherman.

My promise just a sham.

Still loyal, I realize , I should do what,

I really do know best.

From all this turmoil, and trouble,

I just need a total rest.

Then one morning, He came again.

He stood on my lake shore.

As though nothing had changed?

Just like it was before.

Then he asked, Simon do you really,

love me more than these?

Yes Lord, you know I do. I will do,

anything, anything to please.

Feed my lambs, but then He asked,

again He  asked, twice more.

Do you really love me, Simon?

You need to be absolutely sure.

I do. How good it felt to tell him this.

That He did, really want me now.

I could start again. My failure had somehow,

lost all it’s shattering power.

Feed my sheep, He said.

It felt like a big responsibility.

It told me He accepted me.

My weakness and all my frailty.

No longer just Simon, but Peter.

I felt I was a new man.

Accepted by God, He will lead me,

in this His biggest plan.

Made me feel oh so good.

Now wanted, with my chequered past.

Forgiven, restored, my strength in Jesus.

A future in God, that will be seen to last.

The Rock

Asaw Miller