PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 26:31-35
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“After I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” (Matthew 26:32)
Jesus predicts that they will soon “fall away” when He is arrested.
He tells Peter that he will “disown” Him, deny he even knows Jesus.
This must have been painful for Jesus, but He knew it was coming.
He quotes Zechariah 13:7, to show this was expected.
Despite this Jesus lets them know He will not abandon them.
When they run home to Galilee, He will be there waiting for them.
He will meet them there in their betrayal to reconcile with them.
No threats, no revenge, no “I’ll teach you for disowning me!”
Jesus knows our human nature better than we know ourselves (v.35).
I am encouraged by the grace in these words.
Jesus also predicts that I will fail Him, and He will meet me there.
Jesus is hurt by my betrayal, but He came to restore me to God.
As a Jesus follower, my dedication is no better than the disciples then.
But I am confident that when I fall, He will be there to graciously help me up.
PRAYER
Lord, Your grace is amazing. I do not deserve Your mercy for all the times I let You down. Thank You for meeting me in my fall, and helping me up again!
In my own strength – I fail from time to time – like Peter. I can only face ‘conflict’ or challenge with the HS is with me. So like Joshua, I need to know what it the Lord’s will – I need to be onside. If not, I do may make promises/resolutions that I fail to keep. It humbles me and makes me realize I need Jesus!
I too must resist temptation. In the prayer Christ taught us it states, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. I am no better than the disciples. Jesus met them later and by grace they were set free and continued to serve Him. Even though I start the day with Him, I also need His presence in all I do today, picking me up where I fall down. I need Him every hour to stay on track.
I need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine,
Can peace afford.
I need Thee, O I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour,
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their power,
When Thou art nigh.
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.