Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know Me" (Luke 22:34).
Read Luke 22:33-34.
Jesus' warning should humble Peter, but the proud disciple will hear none of it. With characteristic boldness and overbearing self-reliance he protests his loyalty to his Lord, and promises to stay by His side-even if it costs his freedom and his life. He doesn't say, "With God's help," or "With Your help." He is confident he can stand on the ardor of his own adoration and commitment to Jesus.
But Jesus knows precisely what Peter will do in a few short hours. That's when this quiet upper room will be exchanged for a threatening courtyard filled with menacing soldiers. The Lord gives a simple, assured answer. Echoing Peter's misplaced self-confidence, Jesus shifts from "Simon" to "Peter"-the rock. His words are poignant: the rooster will not crow to mark the coming of the sunrise before the rock has crumbled and denied knowing Jesus three times.
From that next morning on, Peter would never hear a rooster again without being reminded of that dreadful, shameful sunrise. But at the same time, the sound of that crowing will be a daily reminder of Jesus' gracious salvation. It was that fateful hour when the rooster's crow recalled Jesus' words to Peter, and that brief glance from Jesus' eyes called Peter back, rescuing him from Satan's grasp, and springing forth the tears of godly repentance that poured from his eyes and led to his restoration.
We all stumble and fall, disowning our Savior in our silence and in our disobedience. Yet Jesus prays for us, strengthens us, and restores us by His constant grace.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, in Your still small voice, humble my pride and foolish self-confidence. Guard and protect me as I flee to You, the Rock of my salvation. Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 11-12 Mark 7:1-13
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