Story Published:
Nov 10, 2011 at 5:52 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Nov 10, 2011 at 5:52 PM CDT
“Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times’. And he broke down and wept.” Mark 14:72
We may not have read this passage from Mark’s gospel as much as the others, but I’m sure you are familiar with the story. Prior to Jesus’ arrest, he spent some time with his disciples over a meal. During the conversation, Jesus told them what was about to happen and Peter declared his loyalty to Jesus…no matter what! Then Jesus said what Peter really would do, and he did as Jesus predicted. The weight of what Peter had done crushed him.
Has the rooster crowed in your life?
Not how many times, but in how many ways do we disown the Lord? It’s easy to see publicly. We get around folks whose relationship with the Lord is weak or non-existent and we lower our allegiance to Christ in their presence. I’ve heard some say “I do that so they won’t be uncomfortable around me.”
To deny who you are is to practice “reverse-hypocrisy”. If you’re a strong Christian at church, you should also be one among those who don’t know Christ – especially around those who don’t know Christ. Honestly, I believe that privately we disown the Lord more than we do publicly. What type of websites do you frequent? How much of the God-given money in your possession is used for things the Lord disapproves of? Are there any immoral thoughts that you hold on to? I think the rooster just crowed, again.
The Lord knows all of our secrets as Jesus knew what Peter was going to do. The word for what must be done is “repent;” which means to stop the wrong and do what’s right. Peter was forgiven and reinstated as an apostle of Jesus Christ because when he was given the opportunity, he did what was right. We must own up to disowning the Lord publicly and privately. Trust me, Jesus is “faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). And he wants to do this.
The next time the rooster crows, let it be because it’s morning for everyone instead of a wake-up call for you.
