Spiritual Highs and Lows #2

In 1970 George Allen became head coach of the Washington Redskins. He promised the fans that the Redskins would win the Super Bowl. But as the season progressed the team lost game after game. A reporter asked quarterback Sonny Jurgensen if he felt like giving up. He replied, “I’ve been in this game long enough to know that every quarterback, every week of the season, spends his time either in the penthouse or in the outhouse.”

As Christians we sometimes go through the penthouse to outhouse experience. A spiritual high often leads to a spiritual low. The Bible has many examples of this phenomenon.

After 40 years Moses was on the verge of accomplishing his mission. Then the Israelites complained that they lacked water. God told Moses to speak to a rock and water would come forth. But Moses struck the rock in anger because God’s people were so ungrateful. As a result, Moses lost the right to lead the people into the Promised Land.

This honor was given instead to Moses’ successor, Joshua. Shortly thereafter God gave His people a miraculous victory over Jericho. The next military target was Ai. Instead of seeking God’s help, Joshua sent a small group of soldiers to defeat Ai. Because of his self-confidence the Israelites lost the battle at Ai. Joshua was humiliated in the eyes of the people.

David was riding high just before he lusted for Bathsheba. God had given David one victory after another that led to the establishment of one throne in Jerusalem. But when David slept with Bathsheba, and murdered her husband, he thought no one knew. But God knew and sent the prophet Nathan to confront David. The resulting baby died after birth. Moreover, David’s son Absalom rebelled against his father, publicly slept with his concubines, and chased him out of Jerusalem.

Finally, Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter correctly replied, “You are the Son of God.” Shortly thereafter, in his pride, Peter counsels the Lord to stop talking about His impending death. Several chapters later, Peter denies knowing the Lord despite his boastful claim to never do so. After his fall Peter wept bitterly and hid in shame.

But after His resurrection Jesus purposely asked Peter three different times, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter responded affirmatively. Jesus forgave Peter. And He will forgive each of us when we fall from the penthouse to the outhouse.