John 21:15-19 (NKJV)
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah,* do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah,* do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah,* do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
Peter, despite his ups and downs, did persevere until the end of his life. Peter was transformed during his time with Jesus and especially when he was baptized in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). It is really a mark of a true believer to repent of sins, learn from mistakes, and grow throughout his or her life. Peter did these things and in the end, he gave his life for Christ. Church historians Tertullian, Origen, and Eusebius state that Peter was stretched out by his hands, dressed in prison attire, taken where no one wanted to go (place of crucifixion), and was crucified as Jesus had predicted.
From an inconsistent background, he became a humble, willing, and obedient servant of the Lord even unto death. He rejoiced on that day of his death, knowing that he would be reunited with his beloved Saviour. What a glorious end. He indeed persevered to the end.
What challenges are you going through as a young Christian, and do you intend to give up? Whatever it is, stand firm and look up to the one who is able to keep you strong until the end (1Cor. 1:8). And know this, that our present sufferings and challenges cannot even be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18). Oh, what glory!!!
