If I were to ask you a (hint: trick, loaded) question, “Which apostle betrayed Jesus?” Your quick reply might be, “Judas.” And, sure, his betrayal was historic and blatant. Yet, Peter also betrayed Jesus. We rarely think of Peter in that same vein, but it’s true. He denied Christ three times, even after being warned he’d do it. Why do we tend to think of Judas as “the” betrayer (as if there was only one?). I think it’s because, in the end, Peter turned back to Christ and accepted forgiveness and redemption. Judas ended his own life (Matt 27:3-5). Peter is the example of the restored and renewed apostle, while Judas is a cautionary tale of one who’d thought he could never be welcomed back. Peter turned to Christ, while Judas turned on himself. How about you? Have you ever thought your sin had pushed you to the point of no return? Have your kids ever wondered if they’ve strayed beyond the reach of your love? Lets be like – and teach our kids to be like – Peter and not Judas. When we find ourselves having done the unspeakable, let’s return to Him whose grace is greater than all our sin (Rom 5:20-21).

How to explain salvation to a child: In our hearts and minds, we know that God wants us to share Jesus with our children. We understand that He has called us to explain the gospel to them and to point them toward Christ. Honestly, though, the idea can be a little scary. Still, leading our kids toward Jesus is the greatest privilege and responsibility we have as dads. It’s definitely a skill worth developing.

Proverbs 16: Chasing God’s Wisdom: Nowhere is the clash of worldviews more apparent than in the struggle between gaining wisdom and collecting wealth. For centuries, the world has pushed us toward more stuff, while the Bible has challenged us to look up to discover what’s most important in life. Wealth isn’t evil, of course, but men of God are called to pursue something higher. As we continue our study of Proverbs 16, we’ll examine what wisdom is really all about—and how we dads can seek wisdom for ourselves.

“Forgiveness is the giving, and so the receiving, of life.” – George MacDonald

“Forgiven people forgive people.” – Dave Stone

” It’s Satan’s delight to tell me that once he’s got me, he will keep me. But at that moment I can go back to God. And I know that if I confess my sins, God is faithful and just to forgive me.” – Alan Redpath

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” – C.S. Lewis

Return and let return. Maybe you’ve sinned and believe that you just cannot possibly be forgiven. Or, perhaps your kids have betrayed you, are seeking restoration, but are unsure whether you’ll let them back in. Let’s take a play from Peter’s playbook. When he was at his lowest, he found community back among believers and ultimately found restoration and redemption. You’re not too far gone, He will forgive and restore. Maybe you needed to hear that this week. Maybe your kids do too.

Kent Evans
Author of The Manhood Journey, co-founder of Manhood Journey and Father On Purpose.

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

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