The Prophet Jeremiah spoke to an Israel that was in imminent danger from the Babylonians. In the voice of God, as an oracle, Jeremiah said, “Call to me and I will answer you.” Then the Lord promises, “I will heal them and reveal to them an abundance of lasting peace.” This is a great metaphor for what often happens in our modern life. We receive miraculous answers to prayers, only to forget the miracle later, and fall back into trouble.

It is amazing how quickly fear can wipe away even the strongest bonds of friendship! In this chapter, we see the serenity and love of Jesus juxtaposed to the fear and lies of Peter. We see the self-sacrificing light of Jesus against the self-preserving darkness of Peter. This chapter is a beautiful metaphor of the little choices that we must all make each day. Do I choose truth and stand for love? Or do I choose fear and grasp for what feels like security in the moment? Jesus reminds us, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39).