the look

The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, "Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times." Luke 22:61 (NASB) We’d all be in jail, if looks really could kill.If you want to be a good parent you have to be able to both recognize looks:“Don’t you give me that look young man!”“You had better not roll your eyes behind my back young lady!”“That’s about the daffiest face I have ever seen.”“I can tell you’re lying just by the look on your face!”“Those puppy eyes worked when you were three, what do you want.”“What’s with the sad face, what’s going on?”You also have to perfect your own “looks” as a parent. Your repertoire needs to include glares, stares, beams, as well as the looks of:“You’re in so much trouble, you don’t even know it!”“One more word and you’re grounded for life!”“I told you so.”“How could you?”“I’m so proud I think I’ll pop.”“That’s MY boy/girl!”Jesus had a lot of looks, looks of compassion, concern, grief, anger, peace. John 8 even records a non-look; it says something too, doesn’t it. One of Jesus’ looks has always fascinated and puzzled me. Peter, who had promised Jesus that he would die with Him if need be has just sworn up and down that he never knew Jesus. He has completely disavowed any association with Christ. What’s more is that Jesus had told him that he would do so before the roster would crow. Before the words of his last denial leave his lips a roster does crow, and at the very moment Jesus in His hand cuffs turns and looks across the courtyard. He looks Peter right in the eyes (Luke 22:54-62), He doesn’t speak a word, a look is all that’s needed. What look did Jesus give him? Wouldn’t you love to know? I sure would. This much I know, Jesus’ look didn’t keep Peter from repenting and returning. It also broke him. I think he remembered that one look for the rest of his life. He must have told Luke about it.I can’t prove it, but I think that look Jesus gave Peter, when Peter was at a minimum both scared and confused, reflected the depth of relationship Jesus seeks to have with you and me as well. Most people do not know God – Jesus like that, but gloriously He invites us to know Him like that. Do you?To God be all glory, love you, Pastor Hans