IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! How To Deal With Regret

In his devotional, Diligently Seeking God, Gary Henry raises the question, “How should we deal with the painful reality of regret in our lives?”

It’s a good question.  Worthy of our consideration.  Because we all have regrets.  Angry words hurled in haste.  Impetuous reactions to someone’s slight.  A bad investment.  An impulsive decision. An imprudent friendship.  An improper relationship.  These can all produce feelings of regret, remorse and grief.

But how do we deal with it?

On the Friday Christ was crucified, two men faced that question.  Peter and Judas. They are an interesting study in comparisons and contrasts.

Both Peter and Judas were chosen by Jesus to be apostles.  Both men held respected positions.  Judas was the Treasurer.  Peter was the unofficial spokesman and a part of Jesus’ inner circle.

Both Peter and Judas had the opportunity to sit at the feet of Jesus.  They heard His stirring sermons.  They witnessed His healing touch.  They saw His powerful miracles.  They watched and listened as Jesus refuted his critics, answered questions, and confounded the religious leaders.

Both Peter and Judas received rebuke from Jesus.  Judas was reprimanded for his complaint when Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume.  Peter was corrected more than once for his impulsive outbursts.

Both Peter and Judas were imperfect men who committed sins.  Judas placed a kiss of betrayal on  Jesus’ cheek for 30 pieces of silver.  And Peter denied knowing Jesus.  Not once.  But three times!  And both men regretted their actions.

Matthew records that “when Judas…saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.  “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”(Matt 27:3-4)

Luke says that after Peter denied Jesus the third time and heard the rooster crowing, he remembered the words of Jesus “and went out and wept bitterly.”  Both men were filled with regret.  Remorse.  And sorrow for their actions.

But there is a huge difference between Peter and Judas in the way they dealt with their wrong-doing.

The Bible says that Judas threw the money down in the temple and “went out and hanged himself.”  On the other hand, Peter repented.  He returned and rejoined  the other apostles.  We see Peter running to the empty tomb following the resurrection.  Later Peter received words of comfort and exhortation from Jesus prior to his ascension.

Judas was filled with remorse, but quit.  His cowardly character was evident as he stole from the treasury until he took his own life.  Ironically, he hung from one tree filled with regret, while Jesus hung from another tree providing redemption.  Judas could have been forgiven, like Peter, but he made the wrong choice.

Peter is remembered as a powerful proclaimer of the gospel and a proponent of truth, while Judas is forever labeled as a coward, a traitor, the Benedict Arnold of the Bible.

How do you deal with regret?  You don’t have to quit.  Or succumb to your worse impulses.  On the Friday both Peter and Judas struggled with remorse, Jesus was being ransomed for their sins.  And mine. And yours too!  He’s the answer!

Don’t give in to Friday’s guilt, remorse or despair. Yes, you feel the wounds of your mistakes.  Of course, your conscience cuts you to the quick.  And your heart aches because of unresolved wrongs.  But don’t be a Judas!

You can be forgiven.  Restored. Redeemed.  And find your place again.  Where you belong.  Ask Peter.  He’ll tell you, “It may be Friday.  But Sunday’s coming!”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman