From Rooster's Crow To Redeemed Call
Monday, October 13
Matthew 26:31-35 (NIV)
“Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.”
Devotion
Jesus warned His disciples that, that very evening, they would stumble because of the events that were about to happen. He referenced Zechariah 13:7, saying, "I'll strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will scatter." Peter, bold and brash, swore he would never falter, saying, "Even if all deny You, I won't!" But Jesus, knowing his heart, told him, "Before the rooster crows, you'll deny Me three times." Peter argued that he would die first, but hours later, he would weep bitterly and realize his failure. This is a picture of our human frailty: one minute we can make bold promises, and the next, we crumble under pressure. Yet God’s grace calls us back to Him!
Peter’s journey reflects this grace. From a fisherman to a disciple, to one who denied Jesus, he was restored by Jesus in John 21 and boldly preached at Pentecost in Acts 2, leading thousands to faith. God didn’t define Peter by his failure but used it to shape him for greater purpose!
Like the disciples, we may promise to stay faithful but struggle when challenges come. Our faith is proven in adversity. Yet God loves a repentant heart, ready to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him. The question is, will you trust His grace to sustain and renew you, even when you fall short?
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please forgive me for the times I boasted in self-confidence of my own abilities and accomplishments, only to fail. I repent and acknowledge that the truth is, apart from You I can do nothing. I humble myself to You, Your plans, and Your will. I ask that You accomplish all Your desires for my life. I acknowledge that I need You and by Your grace, I live and stand. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Make a quality decision to change. Our independence from God pushes His hand away, so He cannot do what He wants to do in our lives. He is the Beginning and the End and knows what we need in the middle to get us to the destiny He has prepared for us in Christ. It starts first with a heart commitment, then a change in mind and thoughts that will inevitably guide our actions. Stay close to Him, for better and greater days are ahead.
Resources