PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 18:25-27
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.” (John 18:27)
Included in this story about Jesus is this moment of Peter’s failure.
If one so close to Jesus can buckle under pressure, I am encouraged.
Though I’ve never denied Jesus like this, I’ve never been threatened either.
For Peter, the rooster crow would have been the haunting sound of failure.
Every morning when the rooster crowed, he was reminded how he denied Jesus.
Until that morning when Peter hears from the women… Jesus is alive!
And then that morning, when Peter meets Jesus, and is forgiven (John 21:15-19).
When the rooster crows for you, do you awake in hope or despair?
Are you only aware of your failure, or do you feel God’s mercy?
Do you awake alone, or do you awake with Jesus, and with his assurance.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, and keep listening for the sound of his grace.
Focus on the horizon, and not on darkness, and listen for the crow of mercy!
“His compassions never fail, they are new every morning!” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
“Until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts!” (2 Peter 1:19)
PRAYER
Lord, I know that I have failed, many times and many ways. Thank you that I can wake up every morning to the sound of your merciful voice.
Exposed as one of them! Can’t keep the secret any longer: I’m a Christ follower – I’m not one of the ‘boys’ – I’m different. I try hard not to ‘push’ my faith – but there are times when I should stand up more rather than quietly back away – not confronting. Lord help me to stand up and confront when that is best – allow me to bear witness of the hope that I have in you. Forgive me for being weak at times- help me with the correct words to say!
Each morning I greet the Lord for a new day and new beginnings. Another day of new possibilities to serve Him. I too have not always stood up for Jesus, being His witness. But His mercies are new every morning and today is a new day with new opportunities to be His follower.
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!