Chaff being sifted, perhaps, but is this pitiful old man really chaff? When we are faced with life and death choices, before God, will we do any better?
This poor elderly men does not do this of his own free will. Fear for his life and abject poverty drove him to it. But God who forgave the Apostle Peter for this sin, can still strengthen and forgive him too, so pray for this poor man, and pray for strength and courage when we are tested, which we will be.
Having never faced such choice, I cannot say what I would do. However, I want to think if I was an old man with not much time left, my choice would be easier.
This poor elderly men does not do this of his own free will. Fear for his life and abject poverty drove him to it. But God who forgave the Apostle Peter for this sin, can still strengthen and forgive him too, so pray for this poor man, and pray for strength and courage when we are tested, which we will be.
Good points.