“Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” Matthew 26:69-70

“And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the man!” Matthew 26:71-72

A“And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed.” Matthew 26:73-74

Are we much different from Peter? Whether specifically asked about our relationship with Jesus, or in our daily actions? I know for a fact I’ve denied Christ many more times over than Peter. What hope do I/we have? Jesus told Peter that he would be the rock upon which He would build the church. Our hope is in the fact that Jesus knows us fully, that Jesus is God, an equal member of the Trinity, and loves those who believe and follow Him, despite our flaws.

If you’re like me, and consider yourself a logical person, consider this… I have never read a historical account of events in which the heroes/victors/etc., portray themselves in a negative light. Yet, that’s exactly what we see from the disciples as soon as Jesus was arrested. They hid, afraid, Peter denied even knowing who Jesus was after spending three years with Him. What changed? What all of a sudden caused all of the disciples to stop hiding, begin preaching in His name, and even all except for John to be brutally executed in various ways in the name of Jesus? The answer is the Resurrection!

I’ll be honest, many things are difficult for me to understand or explain. It’s impossible for me to deny how an entire group of men who so vehemently ran, hid, and denied Jesus so suddenly became so bold and willing to be persecuted and die for Him. It’s impossible for me to deny how they would write about their own faults and wrongs, in that regard. It’s just not logical, aside from being so ashamed but so confident in God’s love and forgiveness.

The truth is that God will use us despite our past faults, if only we receive his forgiveness, live in righteousness and boldly proclaim He is the Lord of all.

How many times have we heard the rooster crowed? How many times? The pain in our hearts because we know we betrayed our savior? How did we react? Did we run in fear? How will we react if it happens again?

Dear Jesus, give us all a strength beyond our own comprehension. Give us mental and physical fortitude to defend you at all costs, for we know the eternal costs, and the example to others and the call to your kingdom is so much greater. Keep our eyes on You. Keep our thoughts on You. Keep our tongues righteous and holy. May we lift each other up, for they will know us by our love. Thank you Jesus for Your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. May we remember it daily, and in all aspect of our lives follow and obey you.