John 20: 3-6, 8
3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there,
8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed.
Sometimes we get intimidated, or feel some kind of way when others seem to be moving ahead faster than we are. Oh, but today's lesson shows us that the one who runs the fastest is not always the most committed. After Mary told the disciples that Jesus' body was not in the sepulchre (the tomb), Peter and John came running to see for themselves. Being younger and faster, John outran Peter, but upon arriving at the tomb, he leaned over to peek in, but did not go in. Peter, being more determined to know the truth, throwing all caution and hesitancy to the wind, went in and looked around. Verse 8 says that, after Peter went in and looked around, then John entered the tomb and believed.
It seems that perhaps John was fearful that the soldiers were still around or that perhaps it was a trap to also apprehend Jesus' followers. But, Peter just wanted the truth. He wanted to know if indeed Jesus had risen, as He said He would. He wanted to know if Jesus really had power over death, hell, and the grave. He wanted to know if his Saviour lived, if this was truly the Messiah, the Son of God.
A desire to know the truths of God, a desire that goes beyond fear, will make you step out on faith. Oh, you may not run as fast as others, but your diligent, steady pace while you search intently to know what thus saith the Lord, to learn of Him, taking time to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord will solidify your faith and take you to higher heights and deeper depths in Him.
The old saying is true, "the race is not given to the swift nor to the strong, but to him that endures until the end".
In the Master's service,
Rev Cynthia