The Review and Herald
December 16, 1902
Danger Through Self-Sufficiency
Just before Peter's fall, Christ said to him, “Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” RH December 16, 1902, par. 1
How true was the Saviour's friendship for Peter! how compassionate his warning! But the warning was resented. In self-sufficiency Peter declared confidently that he would never do what Christ had warned him against. “Lord,” he said, “I am ready to go with thee, both into prison and to death.” His self-confidence proved his ruin. He tempted Satan to tempt him, and he fell under the arts of the wily foe. When Christ needed him most, he stood on the side of the enemy, and openly denied his Lord. RH December 16, 1902, par. 2
But even when Peter was denying him, Christ showed his love for his erring disciple. In the judgment hall, surrounded by those who were clamoring for his life, Jesus thought of Peter, and turning, he looked upon him. In that look, Peter read the Saviour's love and compassion, and a tide of memories rushed over him. Christ's mercy, his kindness and long-suffering, his gentleness and patience toward his disciples—all was remembered. He recalled the caution, “Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” He saw that he was doing the very thing that he had declared he would never do. The realization of his terrible fall came over him with overwhelming force. He thought of his ingratitude, his falsehood, his perjury. Once more he looked upon his Master, and saw a sacrilegious hand raised to smite him in the face. Unable longer to endure the scene, he rushed, heart-broken, from the hall. RH December 16, 1902, par. 3
He pressed on in solitude and darkness, he knew not and cared not whither. At last he found himself in Gethsemane. The scene of a few hours before came vividly to his mind. He thought of how the Saviour, during his agony in the garden, had come for sympathy and comfort to those who had been so closely connected with him in labor. He remembered how he had said, “Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?” On the very spot where Jesus poured out his soul in agony, Peter fell upon his face, and wished that he might die. RH December 16, 1902, par. 4
Help came to him. Wonderful are God's ways of helping those who need help. Happy are those who will be helped in God's way. RH December 16, 1902, par. 5
Had Peter been left to himself, he would have been overcome. But One who could say, “Father, ... I knew that thou hearest me always,” One who is mighty to save, had interceded for him. Christ saves to the uttermost all who come to him. RH December 16, 1902, par. 6
Many today stand where Peter stood when in self-confidence he declared that he would not deny his Lord. And because of their self-sufficiency, they fall an easy prey to Satan's devices. Those who realize their weakness trust in a power higher than self. And while they look to God, Satan has no power over them. But those who trust in self are easily defeated. Let us remember that if we do not heed the cautions that God gives us, a fall is before us. Christ does not save from wounds the one who places himself unbidden on the enemy's ground. He does not impart power to those who reject his guidance. The self-sufficient one, who acts as if he knew more than his Lord, is allowed to go on in his supposed strength. Then come suffering and a crippled life, or perhaps defeat and death. RH December 16, 1902, par. 7
In the warfare, the enemy takes advantage of the weakest points in the defense of those whom he is attacking. At these points he makes his fiercest assaults. The Christian should have no weak points in his defense. He should be barricaded by the assurance that the Scriptures give to those who are doing God's will. The tempted soul will bear away the victory if he follows the example of him who met the tempter with the words, “It is written.” He can stand securely in the protection of a “Thus saith the Lord.” RH December 16, 1902, par. 8
There are some lessons that are never learned only through failure. Peter was a better man after his fall. The Lord permits his children to fall; and then, if they repent of their wrongdoing, he helps them to stand on vantage ground. As fire purifies gold, so Christ purifies his people by temptation and trial. If the heart has not been hardened by a disregard of great light, the temptation and fall will bring repentance. Humble, fervent prayer will save the soul from death, and confession and restitution will hide a multitude of sins. RH December 16, 1902, par. 9