Before the Rooster

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “today–yes, tonight–before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.”  Mark 14:30 (NIV)

Peter was horrified.  So are we.  Is Jesus telling us that times will come where we will fall away?  What?  Impossible!  We are His followers!  We have demonstrated our loyalty time and time again.  We have been faithful.  We have left our former lives.  We have followed Him even when the world seems to be against Him and threatens us too.

Jesus´ words penetrate deep within and do injury to our souls.  It pains us to think that we could deny our Lord.  But do we?  Peter couldn´t believe that He would ever fall to such a treasonable act.  He knew that even Jesus felt the strength of His love for His Master.  How could Jesus ever say that he would not stay by His side through even the worst of conditions?  But what happened to Peter?  Did he fall?  Did he slip up and prove his Savior right?  Could it happen to us?

“Certainly not!”  We say.  We have the story of Peter denying Christ to show us how PETER failed.  Who would ever want to place OUR names in that story?  That is ridiculous!  No way do we want to take that kind of incrimination and place it on our shoulders!  But DO WE sometimes slip up and short-change our Savior too?

Peter fell under scrutiny in his weakest moment.  His trial came when he least expected it.  He had said that he would follow Jesus even unto the grave.  Well, that end was a very real threat when they were condemning our Lord to death.  Peter´s words seemed simple enough in the moment.  What great crime is there in holding back who we are?  How bad is it to try to stay out of trouble and not blare out our involvement with Jesus?  Are there times where it will go easier for us too if we do not mention our Lord?

Before we crucify Peter for His failure to stay true to His Master, should we not examine ourselves?  To be the first to throw a stone, shall we not consult our Lord to make sure we are free from blame?  Is it possible that we too let down our Lord from time to time?  Or are we better than Peter?  Do we walk a high-road of righteousness which exceeds that of the common sinner?  Are we so self-righteous that it is impossible for us to slip up?

If we are perfect, then who needs a Savior?  If we can get to Heaven on our own good standing and pious acts, then who is Jesus to us?  Or does our Savior sometimes look at us over the crowd?  Does He make contact with us and do we see the look in His eye?  Do we realize in those moments that He knew we would slip up and fail to be faithful in all ways?  Does that realization sweep over us in waves of painful grief?  Does it move us as it did Peter to repent bitterly from letting our Savior down?

What do we learn from the story of Peter?  Do we learn of what can happen to others?  Do we hold it far from touching us?  Or do we listen to Jesus´ admonition?  Do we realize that our Savior knows that we will let Him down sometimes?  Do we use that knowledge to prepare ourselves for the correct response?  Should we brace ourselves for some trying times?  Should we draw as close as we can to our Lord?  Shall we trust that from our intimate relationship with Him we will recognize that look which tells us when and where we are failing Him?  Then will we be better prepared to seek Him for healing and forgiveness?

Dear Jesus, could You be telling us that we too may deny You in some way?  Please guard our hearts from ever falling too far away from You.  But when we do, please show us how we let You down and help us to seek the correct attitude of repentance and restoration.

Amen