PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 14:66-72
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him.” (Mark 14:72)
Jesus had warned Peter that he would disown him.
Peter denied it then, but now he denies knowing Jesus.
Jesus knew, just as he knows that we will all fail him.
What Jesus said to his disciples also speaks to us today:
‘Your spirit is willing but flesh is weak, you will fall away.’
Still, he welcomes us to eat with him and washes our feet.
Still, he works with us and sends us out to work for him.
Still, he forgives us for not knowing what we’re doing.
It is helpful for me to remember Jesus’s words too.
His words remind me to stay humble; I am still weak!
His words remind me to stay hopeful; he is still gracious.
His words also remind me to be humble and gracious with others.
Like me they will fail, like me they are weak.
We all need this reminder to be humble, yet hopeful for grace!
PRAYER
Lord, you are speaking to me too. Help me to stay humble and hopeful, for myself and toward others – you are still gracious!
This reminds me of times when I did not stand up for Jesus- when I was chicken to say anything – when I felt out numbered or cornered like Peter. To be brave when everyone else seems to be opposite/different of you. Being a Christian in a very non-Christian environment. How do I represent Jesus – effectively. What I have learned is not to strike out myself – but to seek the HS’s guidance. The HS will provide the right words or actions to say or do or not to do – I’ve experienced the latter as well – especially when I was ready and wanting to step in – but the HS constrained me. I realize that my response is only mine if it comes just from me – but it carries power when I walk in step with the HS. Now I quietly pray before I act or say! Help me not be a coward but brave to face those who might ridicule me with the right words to say!
I too need to stand up for Jesus. But . . . I am weak and He is strong. Lord help me in my weakness to stay true to You in all I say and do. And as Paul, I too, need You every hour for I am weak but You are strong. Help me in my weakness. You are able to use me as you use Paul and others to tell Your story. Help me daily to be an instrument of Your peace.
3 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.
4 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the strife will not be long;
this day the noise of battle,
the next, the victor’s song.
To him that overcometh
a crown of life shall be;
he with the King of glory
shall reign eternally.