PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 14:27-31
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“But Peter insisted emphatically…” (Mark 14:31)
Peter is feeling very confident, more confident than Jesus.
This wasn’t the first time Peter challenged what Jesus said (Mark 8:33).
What strikes me here is the certainty of Peter, and the reality of Jesus.
Jesus knows Peter’s weakness, and he knows our weakness too.
The real problem is that we do not know our own weakness.
We can be pretty confident, even cocky, when we make our declarations.
I used to be very bold and very confident in what I believed.
Like Peter I would insist on my views to others emphatically.
Their views were wrong, mine were right, not even Jesus could change my mind!
Well thankfully Jesus is changing my mind and my heart.
Like Peter I am being humbled, and I don’t feel this confidence anymore.
I still have my beliefs, but I try to hold them lightly, open to correction.
The truth is much deeper and more complex than my puny mind can fathom.
My confidence is in Jesus and in his mercy, not in the strength of my faith.
PRAYER
Lord, the only thing that I can declare and insist emphatically is that my faith is weak and imperfect. I do not want to fall away or disown you, but I need your help to stay strong.
When he insisted emphatically, was he convincing Jesus or trying to convince himself? Lord help me not be most passionate when I am trying to convince others of my faith, but when sharing and acting out my faith.
I’ve faltered – I’ve compromised – I’ve backed away. I know – I’ve been scared and not brave – avoiding ridicule – trying to save face. It still bugs me that I did. I understand Peter very well. He learned and so I too learn from my mistakes in the past. Leaning on my own strength is what makes me weak. When I am weak – then I know He is strong! Help me to be strong in Jesus!
Once again I am reminded that my strength lies not in myself but in the Lord. He makes me strong. My confidence lies in Jesus. It is only in His power that I am a servant in His kingdom, an instrument of His peace.
Make me a servant, Humble and meek,
Lord, let me lift up those who are weak,
And may the prayer of my heart always be:
Make me a servant today.