May 27, 2013
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:31-35
OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION
This passage makes me think of songs that we sing as Christians: I surrender all, Stand up, stand up for Jesus, I love to tell the story, Blessed be Your Name (read these words carefully, do we really mean them?).
Or Peter’s version of ‘I have decided to follow Jesus, though none go with me, still I will follow’: “All the others may turn away because of you. But I never will.”
But I can’t be critical, if I were in Peter’s shoes, would I have spoken any differently?
I speak publicly for Jesus every Sunday, when it is safe; would I do it as quickly if I was being threatened?
Was Jesus angry when He said this, or sympathetic?
God knows the weakness of my faith, Jesus is not surprised when I fall away.
It makes Him sad, but it does not turn Him against us; we know that Jesus welcomes Peter back after his denying and cursing Him (John 21).
The Lord is looking at me too and saying, ‘you too will deny me!’
I can protest, ‘no not me!’ or I can honestly admit, ‘yes Lord, I know, please help me!’
Maybe my sermons need to contain more of this honesty too, top make it clear that I struggle with faith and hope and love just like everyone else… I deny Jesus too!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I deny You too. Everyday, often in little ways, sometimes in big ways. Thank You for Your sympathetic compassion, help me to do better today.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observation:
The passage foretells of Peter’s denial. The focus is on Peter, yet the other disciples said the same. And just a short time later in the garden while Jesus was praying, Peter and the others could not stay awake. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Peter is confident of his actions. Too confident. Over confident. Fear? Christ’s words do come to pass. Not only were the sheep scattered but He gathered His own and shoed Himself – gathering, equipping, enfolding.
Application:
GodPower? SelfPower? How do I live each day for the King? I too am a Peter when it comes to stand up for Jesus when I depend on me, myself and I. I am fearful like Peter when taking a stand. Words speak louder than actions whereas, actions should speak louder than words. Knowing and doing must be the same and that is a possibility when God empowers. I can go forward only in that power.
F.R.O.G.
Fully Rely On God.
Prayer:
Help me this day to enable my FaithPower to do Your will Lord as I/We bring his school year to a close which is only a possibility when I put You first. May others see that I am strong only in You.
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have born my peoples pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them,
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them,
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.