A righteous storm you say is coming
A maelstrom of fire and judgment
The strongest among us will burn like straw
And our own evil deeds will spark the blaze
Much will be expected you say
And the inheritance divided
But how do I judge what is right
To settle with my enemy before they drag me away?
What spirit can I hope to fall upon me?
What will I say when I am clapped in chains?
Who will stand for me in my defense?
Will fine words spill from my lips?
Tell me, yes tell me
Where will these hordes be
Who now tread on themselves
To crowd in and listen?
Will I turn my face away from you
And will angels turn away from me?
If I be once, twice, three times a traitor
Then yes, by all means cut me down
And may the flame never be quenched
Jesus’ indirect teaching about the tree that fails to bear fruit three times (Luke 13) hits home with Peter… especially in the context of other words about division, and the coming of fire. I imagine that Peter connects this in his head with Isaiah 1:31, and vows to himself to stand strong in the weeks to come.